Trump Slammed for Celebrating Robert Mueller's Death: 'An Embarrassment'

The president has been criticized for his comments following news of the former special prosecutor's passing.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 8:52pm

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U.S. President Donald Trump celebrated the death of former special prosecutor Robert Mueller on Truth Social, writing "Good, I'm glad he's dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people." Trump's remarks have been widely condemned, with critics calling him a "horrible human being" and an "embarrassment to the United States." Unlike Trump, who avoided military service, Mueller was a decorated Marine who served in the Vietnam War.

Why it matters

Trump's comments about Mueller's death have sparked outrage, with many pointing to the stark contrast between Trump's privileged upbringing and draft deferments and Mueller's voluntary military service and heroism. The backlash highlights the ongoing political divisions in the U.S. and the deep animosity between Trump and those who investigated his ties to Russia.

The details

In his Truth Social post, Trump wrote "Good, I'm glad he's dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people." This drew immediate condemnation, including from former Marine and Senate candidate Seth Moulton, who called Trump a "horrible human being" and an "embarrassment." Jesuit priest James Martin also criticized Trump's "disgraceful language," saying it was wrong to celebrate the death of anyone. Unlike Trump, Mueller volunteered for the Marines, served in Vietnam, and was awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his service.

  • Robert Mueller's death was announced on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who has been criticized for his comments celebrating the death of former special prosecutor Robert Mueller.

Robert Mueller

The former special prosecutor who led the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Mueller was a decorated Marine who served in the Vietnam War, in contrast to Trump who avoided military service.

Seth Moulton

A former Marine and current Senate candidate who condemned Trump's comments about Mueller's death.

James Martin, SJ

A Jesuit priest and editor at large of America Magazine who criticized Trump's "disgraceful language" in celebrating Mueller's death.

Ken Dilanian

A reporter for MS NOW who noted the contrast between Trump's draft deferments and Mueller's voluntary military service in Vietnam.

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What they’re saying

“Whether you support the President or not, you know this comment is disgusting. Robert Mueller earned a Bronze Star with valor and a Purple Heart as a Marine fighting for this country. He was a great American. Donald Trump is a horrible human being and an embarrassment to the United States.”

— Seth Moulton, Former Marine and Senate candidate

“God help us. This is disgraceful language coming from a Christian, or anyone with a soul. It was just as wrong to celebrate the death of Charlie Kirk as it is to celebrate that of Robert Mueller. May they rest in peace. And may we never forget that Jesus's message is about mercy.”

— James Martin, SJ, Jesuit priest and editor at large of America Magazine

“In an era when many young men—including President Trump—were trying to avoid serving in Vietnam, Mueller not only volunteered for the Marines after graduating from Princeton—he spent a year waiting for an injured knee to heal so he could serve. I have always found that be the most compelling fact about him.”

— Ken Dilanian, Reporter for MS NOW

What’s next

The backlash to Trump's comments is likely to continue, with calls for him to apologize or face further criticism for his disrespect towards a decorated war veteran.

The takeaway

Trump's celebration of Mueller's death highlights the deep political divisions in the U.S. and the stark contrast between Trump's privileged upbringing and avoidance of military service, and Mueller's voluntary service and heroism as a Marine in the Vietnam War. The incident underscores the need for greater civility and respect in American politics, even among the most ardent political opponents.