“There is no bottom”: Scott Bessent defends Donald Trump’s post celebrating Robert Mueller’s death

March 24 2026, 08:15

Out Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended Donald Trump after the president said he was “glad” former FBI Director Robert Mueller died.

Mueller, a Vietnam War veteran who investigated the Trump campaign after the 2016 election to determine whether it colluded with Russian officials to swing the race for Republicans, passed away on Friday at the age of 81. In response, Trump posted, “Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!”

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While many were horrified by the post, Bessent said Trump deserves empathy.

“I was with the president in the green room at Davos, and there was a video playing of what may have been an illegal raid on his home at Mar-a-Lago,” Bessent told Kristen Welker on NBC’s Meet the Press. ”They are going through his wife’s wardrobe, and I watched the look in his eye, and I think that neither one of us can understand what has been done to the president and to the president and to his family.”

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Welker pressed him on it, pointing out that Mueller didn’t order the raid to which Bessent was referring and asking whether it’s appropriate for the president to celebrate any American citizen’s death.

“I think that given what has been done to President Trump and his family, it is impossible for either of us to understand what he has been through.”

She asked him yet again if he thought there was anything wrong with the post. He replied, “We should all have a little empathy for what has been done to him and his family.”

WELKER: Do you think it's appropriate for POTUS to celebrate the death of Bronze Star recipient?BESSENT: Neither one of us can understand what's been done to the president & his familyW: So there's nothing wrong w/post saying, 'Good. Mueller's dead'?B: We should have empathy for the president
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) 2026-03-22T14:29:30.099Z

Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) told Politico the president’s post was “clearly wrong and unchristian behavior” and that “the vast majority of Americans want better.”

But many have sung a different tune. Across party lines, folks have slammed the president’s post as “vile,” “sick,” and “disgusting.”

Heath Mayo, a never-Trump conservative who founded the organization Principles First, called the president a “sick human being’ and a “permanent disfiguring scar on the dignity of our nation.”

What a sick human being. A permanent disfiguring scar on the dignity of our nation. pic.twitter.com/qTLpzcbE6h
— Heath Mayo (@HeathMayo) March 21, 2026

Former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele called Trump “petty and pathetic.”

“You are a hypocrite who reeks of weakness and insecurities with no moral core,” Steel wrote. “Regardless of the politics, the American people should be embarrassed and ashamed for ever having entrusted you with leadership.”

.@realDonaldTrump you are a vile disgusting man. Petty and pathetic, you are a hypocrite who reeks of weakness and insecurities with no moral core. Regardless of the politics, the American people should be embarrassed and ashamed for ever having entrusted you with leadership.… pic.twitter.com/WsioV2yljF
— Michael Steele (@MichaelSteele) March 21, 2026

Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) wrote, “Every day, this president shows his basic indecency and unfitness for office.” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) commented, “Cruelty is the point. Trump’s goal is to distract you from rising gas prices, his aimless war, ICE abuses, and the Epstein files. Don’t give him what he wants.”

Every day, this president shows his basic indecency and unfitness for office. https://t.co/AHgYAZByag
— Adam Schiff (@SenAdamSchiff) March 21, 2026

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. Don’t give him what he wants.

And may Robert Mueller, a US Marine and lifelong public servant, rest in peace. https://t.co/C51NTOt2rq
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) March 21, 2026

Others merely praised Mueller for his lifetime of public service.

Bob Mueller was one of the finest directors in the history of the FBI, transforming the bureau after 9/11 and saving countless lives. But it was his relentless commitment to the rule of law and his unwavering belief in our bedrock values that made him one of the most respected…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 21, 2026

Statement by President George W. Bush on Robert Mueller:

"Laura and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Robert Mueller. Bob dedicated his life to public service. As a Marine in Vietnam, he proved he was ready for tough assignments. He earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart…
— George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) March 21, 2026

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.

Throughout his life, he demonstrated a commitment to the rule of law above partisanship and the…
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) March 21, 2026

Folks also had a lot to say about Bessent’s reaction.

This produces an almost palpable feeling of embarrassment just reading it https://t.co/rKDh2wxCqF
— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) March 22, 2026

This is some next level mindless, pathetic sycophantic sickness. Such gross and despicable people. https://t.co/ZnGvnPCMPL
— Spiro’s Ghost (@AntiToxicPeople) March 22, 2026

Not long ago, Scott Bessent was a successful and (I assume) respected businessman. Now he's a national joke who spends his time going on TV, lamely defending a malignant narcissist who wouldn't throw him a life preserver if he were drowning.

I'm sure being Secretary of the… https://t.co/eNewRUiPm3
— Michael A. Cohen (NOT TRUMP’S FORMER FIXER) (@speechboy71) March 22, 2026

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