Trevor Noah explains why Robert Mueller's partial exoneration of Trump is a win for everybody

Special Counsel Robert Mueller apparently found insufficient evidence that President Trump and his campaign colluded with Russia, and "I'm not going to lie, it's a little disappointing," Trevor Noah said on Monday's Daily Show. "A lot of us were expecting something different. It's a little bit like coming down the stairs on Christmas morning, you were hoping for a brand new BMX, but instead you find Santa's dead body — burned, because your parents forgot to turn off the fire."
Amid his celebrating, "Trump said Mueller's report 'totally exonerated' him, but that's not totally true," Noah said. In fact, Mueller punted on half his mandate. "Robert Mueller spends two years investigating obstruction of justice, and his conclusion is, 'I don't know, what do you guys think?'" he groused. "That's not an answer, Robert Mueller! That is the question we gave you."
"But right now the nuances of the report don't matter to Trump supporters — in fact, they don't care about reading the rest, they've already started their victory parade," Noah said. Honestly, though, "I think this was really a win for everyone. I mean, this is great for Democrats, because they can move on from collusion now and campaign on the issues that more people care about. It's a win for America, because you know that your president isn't a traitor. I mean, how many countries can say that? I mean, all of them, but you know what I mean. ... And for all those taxpayers out there complaining, 'This investigation was a waste of money' — good news, you're also winning. Because Robert Mueller may have spent $25 million on this, but because of him, [Paul] Manafort had to pay the United States over $40 million. Which I guess is another reason the Mueller investigation was such a big win for Trump — this is the first time he's been involved in something that actually turned a profit." Watch below. Peter Weber
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Today's political cartoons - March 8, 2025
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - trade wars, healthcare costs, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Marbled tea eggs recipe
The Week Recommends With a beautiful exterior, these eggs are also marked by their soft yolk
By The Week UK Published
-
The Washington Post: kowtowing to Trump?
Talking Point The newspaper's opinion editor has handed in his notice following edict from Jeff Bezos
By The Week UK Published
-
New Mexico to investigate death of Gene Hackman, wife
speed read The Oscar-winning actor and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their home with no signs of foul play
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Giant schnauzer wins top prize at Westminster show
Speed Read Monty won best in show at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club dog show
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar take top Grammys
Speed Read Beyoncé took home album of the year for 'Cowboy Carter' and Kendrick Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us' won five awards
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Louvre is giving 'Mona Lisa' her own room
Speed Read The world's most-visited art museum is getting a major renovation
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Honda and Nissan in merger talks
Speed Read The companies are currently Japan's second and third-biggest automakers, respectively
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift wraps up record-shattering Eras tour
Speed Read The pop star finally ended her long-running tour in Vancouver, Canada
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Drake claims illegal boosting, defamation
Speed Read The rapper accused Universal Music of boosting Kendrick Lamar's diss track and said UMG allowed him to be falsely accused of pedophilia
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' ignite holiday box office
Speed Read The combination of the two movies revitalized a struggling box office
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published