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The digital landscape was set ablaze following former President Barack Obama’s tribute to Robert Mueller, the former FBI Director, who passed away on Friday night at the age of 81. Obama’s message, lauding Mueller’s steadfast dedication to the rule of law, resonated widely across social media, stirring both admiration and controversy.
Mueller, a pivotal figure in contemporary American politics, was the special counsel charged with probing claims of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, purportedly to aid then-candidate Donald Trump. This investigation remains a contentious issue, with the Trump administration branding it as part of a “treasonous conspiracy” allegedly orchestrated by the Obama administration to undermine Trump’s presidency.
In his message shared on X, Obama praised Mueller as “one of the finest directors in the history of the FBI.” He credited Mueller with transforming the bureau in the aftermath of 9/11 and highlighted his role in saving countless lives. Obama’s words underscored the profound respect Mueller commanded due to his unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and democracy.
The former president extended heartfelt condolences from both himself and Michelle Obama to Mueller’s family and all those who admired him. This public acknowledgment from Obama served as a testament to Mueller’s legacy as a respected public servant.
“Michelle and I send our condolences to Bob’s family, and everyone who knew and admired him.”
Richard Grenell, a staunch Trump ally and one of the president’s special envoys, was aghast that Obama would highlight Mueller’s obligation to “the rule of law.”
“YOU got away with manipulating US intelligence to try and take out a political enemy because of Mueller,” Grenell argued on X. “He protected you as you attacked the rule of law.
“Shameful. You are a total fraud.”
Last year, the Trump administration released a trove of documents showing efforts by Obama national security officials to bury certain “Russiagate” intelligence in the final weeks of the Obama administration — while whipping up an alternative assessment of the supposed “boldest yet” Russian influence campaign on the American electorate.
Mueller’s probe only focused on the latter.
“Obama set the operation in motion against the Trump campaign in 2016,” former Trump campaign aide George Papadopoulos wrote on X in response to the ex-president’s post.
“It was the only time in American history a president attempted to derail the smooth transition of power,” Papadopoulos said. “Mueller’s job was to cover it up and attempt a coup against the Trump administration.
“They both were exposed in a spectacular fashion.”
Papadopoulos pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI in 2017 about meetings with Russian intermediaries and was later pardoned by Trump.
Conservative commentator Steve Guest argued that Mueller “was the tip of the spear for [Obama’s] weaponization of the DOJ.
“Spare us,” Guest said in response to Obama’s fawning post.
Conservative writer Mark Hemingway described Obama’s post as a “bizarre hagiography” to Mueller.
“There’s no need to immediately speak ill of the dead, but this bizarre hagiography to a man that ruined many lives through derangement and incompetence isn’t needed either,” Hemingway wrote on X.
Trump faced criticism of his own Saturday for a post celebrating Mueller’s death.
“Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” the president wrote on Truth Social shortly after Mueller’s death was announced by his family.