Trump Celebrates Death of Former FBI Director Mueller

President's niece Mary Trump condemns his response to Mueller's passing.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:09pm

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President Donald Trump posted a celebratory message on Truth Social following the death of former FBI Director Robert Mueller, who died at 81 on Saturday. Trump's estranged niece, Mary Trump, rebuked him, saying "Robert Mueller served his country honorably for decades" and that Trump's response was unacceptable. Mueller was a decorated Vietnam veteran who led the FBI through major changes after 9/11 and later served as special counsel investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Why it matters

Mueller was one of the most consequential figures in modern American law enforcement, and Trump's response to his death drew swift and widespread condemnation from politicians on both sides of the aisle, raising fresh questions about the standards of presidential conduct and the ongoing politicization of public figures' legacies. Mary Trump has long been one of her uncle's most outspoken critics, and this latest incident further highlights the deep divisions within the Trump family.

The details

Mueller served as FBI director from 2001 to 2013, fundamentally restructuring the agency around counterterrorism in the aftermath of 9/11. After leaving the FBI, he was appointed special counsel to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 election, producing a 448-page report that identified extensive contacts between the Trump campaign and Russia. Trump repeatedly referred to the probe as a "witch hunt." Mueller had been living with Parkinson's disease since 2021.

  • Robert Mueller died on Saturday, March 18, 2026.
  • Mueller served as FBI director from 2001 to 2013.

The players

Robert Mueller

A decorated Vietnam veteran who served as FBI director from 2001 to 2013 and later as special counsel investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Mary Trump

President Donald Trump's estranged niece, who has been one of his most outspoken critics.

Donald Trump

The current President of the United States, who posted a celebratory message on Truth Social following Mueller's death.

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What they’re saying

“Robert Mueller served his country honorably for decades. In response to his death, Donald wrote: 'Good. I'm glad he's dead.' If you think that's acceptable or even remotely ok, you are part of the problem.”

— Mary Trump

“Bob Mueller was one of the finest directors in the history of the FBI, transforming the bureau after 9/11 and saving countless lives. His relentless commitment to the rule of law made him one of the most respected public servants of our time.”

— Barack Obama, Former President

“Bob dedicated his life to public service. As a Marine in Vietnam, he proved he was ready for tough assignments... Laura and I send our heartfelt sympathy to his wife of nearly 60 years, Ann, and the Mueller family.”

— George W. Bush, Former President

The takeaway

This incident further highlights the deep divisions within the Trump family and the ongoing political tensions surrounding the legacy of Robert Mueller, a respected public servant who played a key role in shaping the modern FBI and investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election.