Robert Mueller, the former special counsel whose investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 US election defined much of Donald Trump's first term in office, has died aged 81. The cause of his death was not immediately clear. CBS News, the BBC US partner, confirmed his death. With deep sadness, we are sharing the news that Bob passed away on Friday night, his family told the AP in a statement. His family asks that their privacy be respected.
Mueller previously led the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from 2001 to 2013, taking the office just days before the 11 September 2001 terror attacks. He is credited with reshaping it into a modern counterterrorism agency.
Mueller is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Ann Cabell Standish, their two daughters, and three grandchildren.
Mueller's special counsel inquiry put Donald Trump's 2016 campaign under a microscope, drawing harsh criticism from the US president. Trump noted on Truth Social, I'm glad he's dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!
Mueller was respected by past presidents; both George W. Bush and Barack Obama offered tributes honoring his public service. Bush, who appointed Mueller to lead the FBI, expressed being deeply saddened by his passing. Obama remarked that he was one of the finest directors in the history of the FBI. Former FBI director James Comey described Mueller as a great American and a mentor.
Mueller's investigation into Russian attempts to influence the 2016 presidential election – and the potential involvement of Trump and his campaign – created regular headlines from May 2017 to March 2019. Despite its intense scrutiny, Mueller himself was known for rarely speaking publicly. The investigation yielded multiple indictments including key Trump associates but closed without established conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia.
Born in 1944, Mueller began his career in military service during the Vietnam War before transitioning to law. His steady public service continued until his retirement from the FBI in 2013, marking a notable chapter in American legal history.}
Mueller previously led the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from 2001 to 2013, taking the office just days before the 11 September 2001 terror attacks. He is credited with reshaping it into a modern counterterrorism agency.
Mueller is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Ann Cabell Standish, their two daughters, and three grandchildren.
Mueller's special counsel inquiry put Donald Trump's 2016 campaign under a microscope, drawing harsh criticism from the US president. Trump noted on Truth Social, I'm glad he's dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!
Mueller was respected by past presidents; both George W. Bush and Barack Obama offered tributes honoring his public service. Bush, who appointed Mueller to lead the FBI, expressed being deeply saddened by his passing. Obama remarked that he was one of the finest directors in the history of the FBI. Former FBI director James Comey described Mueller as a great American and a mentor.
Mueller's investigation into Russian attempts to influence the 2016 presidential election – and the potential involvement of Trump and his campaign – created regular headlines from May 2017 to March 2019. Despite its intense scrutiny, Mueller himself was known for rarely speaking publicly. The investigation yielded multiple indictments including key Trump associates but closed without established conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia.
Born in 1944, Mueller began his career in military service during the Vietnam War before transitioning to law. His steady public service continued until his retirement from the FBI in 2013, marking a notable chapter in American legal history.}
