Robert Mueller, ex-FBI director and Trump special counsel, dies at 81
Mar 22nd 2026 · United States
Robert Mueller, who led the FBI for 12 years and later oversaw the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election, has died at 81, his family said; they asked for privacy. Responses to his death ranged from praise by former presidents to a celebratory post by President Trump.
- Mueller served as FBI director from 2001 to 2013 and rebuilt the bureau's counterterrorism efforts after 9/11.
- He led the Justice Department special counsel probe into 2016 Russian interference and produced a report that did not exonerate President Trump.
- The investigation charged 34 people and three companies, including six associates of Trump.
- Trump posted on social media expressing satisfaction at Mueller's death while former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush praised Mueller's public service.
Articles
- Ex-FBI chief and Trump investigator Robert Mueller dies at 81 www.dw.com
- Trump’s Reaction to Mueller’s Death: ‘Good, I’m Glad.’ www.nytimes.com
- Ex-FBI director Robert Mueller, who investigated Russia-Trump campaign ties, dies aged 81 www.france24.com
- Robert Mueller obituary www.theguardian.com