"I'm Glad He's Dead"... Trump Draws Outrage With Extreme Remark on 'Russiagate' Special Counsel's Death

Former FBI Director Robert Mueller Dies
Led 'Russiagate' Special Counsel
Trump Mocks, Saying "Good," Faces Backlash

U.S. President Donald Trump faced widespread criticism in political circles after he mocked the death of Robert Mueller, the former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director who led the special counsel investigation into him.

U.S. President Donald Trump mocked the death of Robert Mueller, former FBI Director who led the special counsel investigation into him. Photo by UPI News Agency

According to the New York Times (NYT) on March 21 (local time), President Trump posted on his social network service (SNS) about the death of former FBI Director Mueller, who had investigated the alleged collusion between his presidential campaign and Russia, saying, "Good, I'm glad he's dead." During his first term, Trump had strongly denounced Mueller's special counsel probe as a "witch hunt," and he expressed delight at Mueller's passing.

However, this comment drew criticism not only from the opposition Democratic Party but also from his own Republican Party. According to Yonhap News Agency, Republican Representative Don Bacon stated, "This is not a Christian act, and it was an improper remark," adding, "It was a totally unnecessary comment. People dislike this kind of behavior." Jamie Raskin, the Democratic ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, condemned President Trump's remarks as "typically base and predictable rhetoric."

This was not the first time President Trump had posted mocking comments about the deceased. In December of last year, he also faced widespread criticism after posting a comment about film director Rob Reiner and his wife, who were killed by their son, suggesting that "Rob Reiner provoked anger in others."

Robert Mueller, former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Photo by AP Yonhap News

Other former presidents issued statements mourning the life of public service led by former Director Mueller. Former President George W. Bush described Mueller as "a man devoted to a lifetime of public service" and credited him with leading the FBI in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks and helping to prevent further acts of terrorism. Former President Barack Obama also stated that Mueller "was one of the most respected public servants, with a steadfast commitment to the rule of law and core values."

Mueller, a Vietnam War veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart, led the FBI for 12 years beginning in 2001. In May 2017, he returned to public service as special counsel for President Trump's "Russiagate" investigation. Over 22 months, Mueller achieved results by indicting President Trump's associates and Russian intelligence officers, securing guilty verdicts. On March 21, Mueller's family announced in a statement that he had passed away the previous day. While the specific cause and location of his death were not disclosed, it was reported that he had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

During his tenure, Mueller did not bring criminal charges against sitting President Trump, but he also did not explicitly exonerate him. In contrast, President Trump has repeatedly described the special counsel investigation as a fraud. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) commented, "Mueller was a thorn in the side of President Trump."

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