Donald Trump has faced widespread condemnation after celebrating the death of former FBI director Robert Mueller. The US president posted on his Truth Social platform: “Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!”
Mueller, a decorated Vietnam War veteran who led a politically explosive investigation into Trump’s 2016 campaign, died on Friday aged 81. Trump’s reaction drew sharp criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, with many calling it “vile” and “disgusting”.
Michael Steele, former chairman of the Republican National Committee, wrote on X: “@realDonaldTrump you are a vile disgusting man. Petty and pathetic, you are a hypocrite who reeks of weakness and insecurities with no moral core.” Rick Wilson, co-founder of the Lincoln Project, called Mueller a “hero” and warned Trump that when he dies, “Americans, and people around the world, will dance in the streets”.
Democrats also denounced the president. Congressman Dan Goldman said Trump “disgustingly celebrates Mueller’s death simply because he exposed Trump’s efforts to steal the 2016 election”. Senator Adam Schiff added: “Every day, this president shows his basic indecency and unfitness for office.”
Critics highlighted the contrast between Trump, who received five deferments from the Vietnam draft, and Mueller, a marine wounded and decorated for heroism. Alex Vindman, a Democratic Senate candidate and military veteran, called Trump a “draft-dodger” and said his comment was “despicable and disqualifying in any other decade”.
Mueller served as FBI director for 12 years and later led a 22-month special counsel investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. The inquiry indicted 34 people, including several Trump associates, but stopped short of recommending prosecution of the sitting president.
