Senator Chris Murphy, D-Connecticut, condemned President Donald Trump’s reaction to the death of former FBI director and special counsel Robert Mueller, calling the president’s comments “disgusting.”
Trump’s “Glad” Response to Mueller’s Death
On March 22, Sen. Murphy appeared on NBC’s Meet the Press, where he expressed his outrage at Trump’s remarks. The president posted on social media, saying he was “glad” to hear of Mueller’s death, adding, “He can no longer hurt innocent people.”
Murphy responded by saying, “It’s just disgusting. It’s so heartbreaking that we have a president who is cheerleading the death of American citizens. Mueller is amongst many who have been trying to hold this president to account.”
Mueller’s Legacy and Cause of Death
Robert Mueller, who served as FBI director from 2001 to 2013, passed away at the age of 81 after a battle with Parkinson’s disease. His family announced his death on March 21, 2023, with a statement saying, “With deep sadness, we are sharing the news that Bob passed away last night.”
Mueller was best known for his role as special counsel during the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
His report concluded that Russia did indeed interfere in the election to benefit Trump, though it found no evidence of collusion between Trump’s campaign and the Russian government. However, Mueller’s investigation did leave open the question of whether Trump obstructed justice.
Bipartisan Backlash Against Trump’s Comments
Trump’s social media post about Mueller’s death sparked widespread criticism across the political spectrum. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, accused Trump of using the comment as a distraction from more pressing issues, including rising gas prices and ongoing controversies surrounding his administration.
Republican Rep. Don Bacon also weighed in, calling Trump’s comments “wrong and unchristian behavior” in a message to Politico.
The Trump-Mueller Feud
The feud between Trump and Mueller dates back to the special counsel’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Despite the investigation’s failure to find evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, Trump frequently targeted Mueller and dismissed the probe as a “hoax.”
Mueller’s investigation led to the indictment of 34 individuals, including six Trump advisers, 26 Russians, a California man, and a London-based lawyer. Seven individuals, including five Trump advisers, pleaded guilty to various charges.
Mueller’s Military Service and Legacy
In addition to his work as FBI director, Mueller served in the Vietnam War as a U.S. Marine Corps officer, where he earned several awards and commendations, including a Purple Heart. His extensive career and his role in the Russia investigation left an enduring legacy.
