Bessent responds to Trump’s post about Mueller’s death
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Treasury Secretary Bessent defends Trump's post saying he was glad Robert Mueller died, citing mistreatment claims.
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended President Trump on Sunday after Trump posted that he was "glad" former FBI Director Robert Mueller had died, arguing that people should show Trump greater "empathy" given what Bessent characterized as mistreatment of the president and his family. Mueller led the special counsel investigation into Trump's 2016 campaign and Russian interference, a probe that resulted in multiple indictments and convictions but did not establish criminal conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia. Trump's post marking Mueller's death drew swift criticism from various quarters, and Bessent's defense reflects the administration's pattern of pushing back against public criticism of the president's statements and conduct. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions over how Trump's rhetoric about political adversaries is received and defended by his administration officials.
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Trump said he was glad Robert Mueller died. Fox News never mentioned his comment on TV - CNN

Top Trump official defends president for celebrating Robert Mueller’s death - The Independent

Ex-FBI director Robert Mueller, who investigated Russia-Trump campaign ties, dies aged 81
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