Donald Trump reacted to the news of former special counsel Robert Mueller’s death on Saturday by stating on Truth Social: “Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!”
Mueller, who passed away on Friday night, was a decorated Vietnam veteran and a lifelong public servant. As a federal prosecutor, he handled high-profile cases against figures like Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega and New York crime boss John Gotti.
Mueller also served as FBI director from 2001 to 2013, the second-longest-serving director in the bureau’s history. His impressive legacy gained tributes from both presidents he served under, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
He fundamentally reshaped the agency’s mission after the September 11 attacks, shifting its top priority to terrorism prevention. Mueller’s appointment as special counsel in the Russian interference investigation came in May 2017. The probe quickly expanded to investigate Trump for possible obstruction of justice. Trump, for his part, pushed back, accusing Mueller’s office of conflicts of interest and warning him against broadening the inquiry beyond Russia.
Mueller was so well respected that Obama asked him to stay for his term
The ensuing months saw a series of arrests and indictments of individuals within Trump’s inner circle, including his former campaign chair and campaign aide. In April 2018, federal investigators raided the apartment, hotel room, and office of Trump’s personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, reportedly seeking any potentially damaging evidence.
The 22-month investigation culminated in a 448-page report. It found that the Trump campaign did not conspire or coordinate with the Russian government to interfere in the 2016 election. However, Mueller notably declined to conclude whether Trump had obstructed justice. Trump has maintained that the investigation was politically motivated, labeling it a “witch hunt” and “hoax.” Trump’s cold response to Mueller’s death quickly sparked widespread backlash online.
Senator Adam Schiff also posted on X, stating, “Every day, this president shows his basic indecency and unfitness for office.” Even some Republicans hit back, with Representative Don Bacon (F-NE), calling Trump’s response “clearly wrong and unchristian,” adding, “The vast majority of Americans want better.”
This isn’t the first time Trump has faced such criticism; he received similar condemnation in December when he suggested director Rob Reiner and his wife, who were stabbed to death in their home, had died from “Trump derangement syndrome.”
Trump refused to retract his statement about Reiner. However, this time, some of his allies have also posted to X to support his statement, no matter how wrong or distasteful.
Despite Trump’s rhetoric, the larger political community has just expressed grief and admiration for Mueller and his legacy.
Published: Mar 23, 2026 08:04 am