Robert Mueller, Former Special Counsel, Dies at 81; Trump Posts Controversial Statement, Bessent Calls for Empathy
Robert Mueller, former FBI Director and Special Counsel, died Friday at the age of 81. Following the announcement of his death, Donald Trump posted a statement on Truth Social. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent subsequently addressed Trump's comments during an appearance on NBC’s "Meet the Press," calling for empathy for the former president.
Robert Mueller's Passing and Public Service
Robert Mueller died on Friday night from undisclosed causes at the age of 81, his family confirmed on Saturday. His family requested privacy regarding further details of his passing.
Mueller was a U.S. Marine veteran who received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his service in Vietnam. He held positions under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, departing his post in 2013.
He was later appointed as special counsel to lead a two-year investigation into potential Russian influence on Donald Trump’s first presidential campaign. This investigation resulted in six indictments against former Trump officials and associates and a comprehensive report. The report did not accuse Trump of a crime but documented instances of "obstructive-like behavior." Donald Trump had previously referred to this investigation as a "witch hunt" and had expressed animosity toward Mueller.
Donald Trump's Statement
Following the announcement of Mueller's death, Donald Trump posted on Truth Social:
“Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's Remarks
On Sunday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed Trump's comments during an appearance on NBC’s "Meet the Press." Bessent called for "empathy for what’s been done to the president and his family" when questioned about the statement.
During the interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker, Bessent stated, “Neither one of us can understand what has been done to the president and his family.” When asked about the appropriateness of a president celebrating any American citizen’s death, Bessent responded, “Given what has been done to President Trump and his family, it is impossible for either of us to understand what he’s been through.” He reiterated, “We should have empathy for what’s been done to the president and his family” after Welker quoted Trump’s post.
Bessent cited "extensive investigations" that Trump and his family have undergone. He referenced the 2022 raid on Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence as an example of what the former president has experienced, describing Trump's reaction to a video of the raid as potentially "illegal." Bessent declined to directly answer if a U.S. president should celebrate the death of any American.
Other Reactions and Related Investigations
Both Democrats and Republicans criticized President Trump’s statement, while some of his supporters defended his remarks.
Former White House counsel Ty Cobb, who served in the White House from July 2017 to May 2018 assisting with the initial phase of the Russia investigation, discussed Mueller's "honor and integrity" on MSNOW. On "Alex Witt Reports" on Saturday, Cobb stated that Trump's comments were "petty, shameful, despicable and undignified."
The Mueller investigation was followed by other legal proceedings against Trump, including an inquiry into classified documents, which prompted the Mar-a-Lago raid. A federal judge later dismissed the classified documents case.