Top Treasury Official Defends Trump’s Controversial Remarks on Mueller’s Death
In a bold defense, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent stood by President Donald Trump’s remarks regarding the death of former FBI director Robert Mueller this past weekend.
Trump took to Truth Social on Saturday, expressing his sentiments with a post that read, “Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!” This statement reflects the longstanding animosity Trump has harbored towards Mueller, stemming from the latter's role as special prosecutor during the investigation into alleged collusion between Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russian operatives.
During a Sunday appearance on “Meet the Press,” Bessent was questioned about Trump’s comments. Host Kristen Welker pressed him, “Do you think it’s appropriate for the president to celebrate the death of a Bronze Star, Purple Heart recipient who served in Vietnam?”
Bessent responded, “Neither one of us can understand what has been done to the president and his family.” His defense of Trump’s reaction continued as Welker sought clarity on whether such remarks were fitting for any American citizen.
“So you don’t think there’s anything wrong with a post saying, ‘Good. Robert Mueller’s dead’?” she asked. Bessent reiterated his stance, stating, “We should have empathy for what’s been done to the president and his family.”
Mueller, who passed away at 81, was a registered Republican appointed as FBI director by former President George W. Bush. While his family has not disclosed the cause of death, sources indicate he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Despite Trump’s deep-seated resentment towards Mueller, it was the prosecutor who ultimately decided against filing obstruction charges related to the investigation known as “Russiagate,” given Trump’s status as sitting president. In his 2019 report, Mueller also found no evidence of a criminal conspiracy between Trump’s campaign and Russia.
