‘I’m glad he’s dead:’ Donald Trump celebrates the death of a former FBI director
President Donald Trump posted a statement about the passing of former FBI Chief Robert Mueller. Although their relationship has been nothing short of adversarial, Trump’s statement still disturbed several online personalities.
“Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!” Trump signed his name after the Truth Social post. Therefore, this statement was most likely not made by the president’s account handlers.
Needless to say, Trump’s commentary received blowback. Former Chair of the Republican National Committee Atty. Michael Steele reacted, “You are a vile, disgusting man. Petty and pathetic, you are a hypocrite who reeks of weakness and insecurities with no moral core… God rest Robert Mueller.”
Media personality Philip DeFranco wrote, “Damn, he just gave people the moral green light to celebrate when he kicks it.” Pod Save America host Jon Favreau said on X, “One day, Donald Trump will die, and his supporters will try to punish the people who say things like this.”
Former presidents send their condolences
Meanwhile, two former American presidents also extended their heartfelt condolences to Mueller’s family after Trump’s post. Former President George Bush, a Republican, wrote, “Laura and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Robert Mueller. Bob dedicated his life to public service. As a Marine in Vietnam, he proved he was ready for tough assignments.
He earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart before returning home to pursue law. In 2001, only one week into the job as the 6th Director of the FBI, Bob transitioned the agency mission to protecting the homeland after September 11. He led the agency effectively, helping prevent another terrorist attack on U.S. soil.”
Former President Barack Obama, a Democrat, wrote, “Bob Mueller was one of the finest directors in the history of the FBI, transforming the bureau after 9/11 and saving countless lives. But it was his relentless commitment to the rule of law and his unwavering belief in our bedrock values that made him one of the most respected public servants of our time.”
Both presidents from different sides of the political aisle praised Mueller’s service and sent their sympathies to his family. Regardless of political beliefs, Mueller was a veteran who readily served his country before transitioning into a bureaucrat. There is no need to speak ill of the dead—especially not a well-decorated marine and a lifelong public servant.
It’s puzzling how Trump’s administration revoked US visas over comments made about Charlie Kirk’s death, and yet the sitting president himself takes no issue with disparaging a veteran who served his country. Needless to say, Mueller and Trump have a tenuous political history. But there is a decorum that the public expects from presidents—and while Trump is an unruly populist, his brash statement is not any less shocking.
A reminder of Trump’s links to Russia
Mueller was responsible for leading the probe into possible Russian interference in 2016. The document, where the findings were published, is commonly referred to as the Mueller report.
Mueller and the special counsel “identified numerous links between the Russian government and the Trump campaign.” Russia’s involvement in the 2016 campaign was sweeping and systemic. Through their proxies, the Russian government polarized public discourse and launched disinformation campaigns in the United States, with the aim of undermining the electoral process. Although the report noted that senior members of the Trump campaign and Russian nationals met at Trump Tower, among other instances, Trump was not formally indicted, as he was already president at the time.
However, Mueller reportedly “does not exonerate” Trump and cited the many instances in which the president obstructed justice during the investigation. Trump then proceeded to accuse Mueller of launching a “witch hunt” against him. Furthermore, Trump called the Mueller report the ‘Russia hoax,’ despite the damning evidence in the document. To date, Trump’s Director of National Intelligence has denied the report and accused the Obama administration of manufacturing evidence.
The unnecessary comment from Trump is vulgar at worst, but Mueller’s report will forever remain his ghost.
(featured image: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
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