President Mueller Death: Criticism of Trump’s Response
President Donald Trump posted on his social media platform Saturday that he was “glad” former FBI Director Robert Mueller was dead, prompting widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum.
The post, made shortly after news of Mueller’s death at age 81 became public, read, “Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!” The statement quickly drew criticism, even from within the Republican party.
Michael Steele, a former chairman of the Republican National Committee, described Trump’s comment as “vile” and “disgusting,” adding that the former president was “petty and pathetic” and lacked a “moral core.” Steele’s statement was posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Trump’s reaction to Mueller’s death is consistent with a pattern of disparaging remarks made about deceased political opponents, according to reports. In 2017, Trump faced criticism for his alleged comments to the widow of a fallen soldier, reportedly telling her that her husband “knew what he signed up for.” The White House later appeared to tacitly confirm the comments, though Trump claimed the conversation was “very respectful.”
Following the death of Senator John McCain in 2018, Trump resumed years-long attacks on the Arizona Republican, criticizing McCain’s role in blocking Trump’s healthcare legislation and falsely claiming McCain had graduated “last in his class” and shared the Steele dossier with the FBI. In 2019, Trump attacked the late Congressman John Dingell, suggesting the Michigan Democrat was “looking up” from hell.
Mueller served as FBI Director under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. He was appointed as special counsel in 2017 to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and potential obstruction of justice by Trump. While Mueller’s investigation led to indictments of several individuals associated with the Trump campaign, it did not establish sufficient evidence to conclude that Trump criminally conspired with Russia.
The president’s comments drew condemnation from political strategists as well. Rick Wilson, co-founder of the Lincoln Project, called Mueller a “hero” and warned that people would “dance in the streets” when Trump died, characterizing him as a “low, degenerate, criminal fraud.” Heath Mayo, founder of Principles First, described Trump as a “sick human being” and a “permanent disfiguring scar on the dignity of our nation.”
As of Sunday, March 22, 2026, the White House has not issued any further statement regarding Trump’s comments about Mueller. No Republican lawmakers beyond Steele have publicly condemned the remarks.