During the past week, I read a couple articles contrasting Donald Trump and Robert Mueller (who is two years older than Trump). Both were born in wealthy New England families, were raised to lead, attended elite private schools, and graduated from Ivy League colleges. But from that point on, their lives diverged widely. We all know Trump’s story, but not so much Mueller’s. He’s quite an impressive guy–the very best of America in every way.
A few weeks before graduating from Princeton, Mueller enlisted in the Marines. He went through the Army’s Ranger and Airborne schools, and became an officer. He distinguished himself leading a rifle team in fierce combat in Vietnam. A lifelong friend said Vietnam gave Mueller “the backbone and the steel that he has today.”
Afterwards, he went into private law practice, making lots of money but hating it. He left to become a US homicide prosecutor, at one-fourth his previous salary, a job one writer compared to a retired general serving as a private. His star rose, and eventually he became FBI director under George W. Bush.
Mueller had a reputation for avoiding the limelight (unlike his FBI successor, James Comey). He would cross out every “I” in speeches, telling speechwriters that it wasn’t about him, but about the organization. He is described as having the same mindset as Bob Dole and George HW Bush, who seldom talked about their wartime experiences and felt an obligation to serve the country–and not boast about it. Said a friend, “He doesn’t brag about himself.” Even though he’s got real, courageous, life-and-death accomplishments.
Mueller has remained married to Ann, whom he married just after graduating from college. One of their two daughters has spina bifada. At one point, Mueller took a job just to be near the treatment she needed.
Mueller is America at its best, a man who gave up privilege to fight for his country and pursue public service. Donald Trump’s life, by contrast, has followed two obsessions: money, and women. Two very, very different lives which are now on a collision course.
