Democratic lawmakers are calling out President Donald Trump over a recent social media post where he said he was “glad” former FBI Director Robert Mueller died.
Mueller, who led the FBI for 12 years, died on Friday at age 81. The former director became a target for the president after he was appointed to serve as special counsel in charge of investigating alleged Russian collusion into Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.
“Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Along with posting condolences messages, Democrats were quick to call out the president’s sharp remarks about Mueller’s death, characterizing the Truth Social post as “cruelty,” “vile,” and “sick.”
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Trump criticism
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said Trump’s post was a distraction from other topics that are top of mind for the public and dominating the news cycle.
“The cruelty is the point. Trump’s goal is to distract you from rising gas prices, his aimless war, ICE abuses, and the Epstein files,” Schumer said on X. “Don’t give him what he wants.”
Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY) called Mueller a “true public servant,” while also condemning the president for his post, saying the two men represent “polar opposites” of a public servant.
“Yet the President of the United States disgustingly celebrates Mueller’s death simply because he exposed Trump’s efforts to steal the 2016 election,” Goldman wrote on X.
“There is no bottom, even for Trump. Robert Mueller did his job honorably and always told the truth. Two things Trump could never do,” Rep. Bennie J. Thompson (D-MS) wrote on X. “Trump knows he is not innocent.”
Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) labeled the president as a “petty,” “sick,” and “vile man.”
“Robert Mueller volunteered for Vietnam — at the same time Trump avoided serving,” Crow said on X. “His decades of military and public service to our nation represents everything Donald Trump is not.”
“Every day, this president shows his basic indecency and unfitness for office,” said Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) on X. Schiff served as chairman of the House Intelligence Committee during the 2016 Russia collusion investigation.
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Mueller’s pursuit of the ‘truth’
Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), along with other Democrats and Republicans, highlighted Mueller’s dedication to uncovering the “truth” through his years of public service work.
“Robert Mueller was a dedicated and honorable public servant. He served his country in the Marines, as a federal prosecutor, and led the FBI at a critical time in our nation’s history,” Booker wrote on X.
“Throughout his life, he demonstrated a commitment to the rule of law above partisanship and the relentless pursuit of justice,” he continued.
Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) pointed to Mueller’s investigation ending the Russia collusion allegations, highlighting that the former director was “committed to the truth.”
“While the manner in which Mueller led that very partisan investigation damaged his reputation and undermined the conclusion of the report, he was nonetheless committed to the truth,” Turner said on X. “Up until his leadership of that investigation, Mueller had an extremely strong reputation and career and I am grateful for his service to this country.”
Honoring Mueller
Other Democratic lawmakers focused their posts solely on honoring Mueller’s public service work.
“Robert Mueller devoted his life to service — from the Marine Corps to leading the FBI and serving as Special Counsel. He believed deeply in the rule of law and the responsibility to uphold it. His legacy is one of integrity, duty, and strength of character,” Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) said on X.
“Robert Mueller served our nation with integrity and a commitment to the rule of law. My deepest condolences to his family and all who knew and respected him,” Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) wrote on X.
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“I was privileged to know Robert Mueller as a friend & fellow law enforcement officer — a dedicated, courageous patriot, skilled prosecutor, & tireless investigative leader. A tough mind, but generous heart,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) said on X.
The cause of the former FBI director’s death remains unknown, but his family announced in 2025 Mueller was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2021.