Robert Mueller, former FBI director who investigated Trump-Russia ties, dies at 81
U.S. president celebrated his death on social media, saying he was "glad" Mueller had passed away
Author of the article:Spiro Papuckoski
Published Mar 21, 2026 • Last updated 7 hours ago • 3 minute read
U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller speaks on the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 Presidential election, at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., May 29, 2019.
U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller speaks on the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 Presidential election, at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., May 29, 2019. Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP /Getty Images
Former FBI Director Robert Mueller, a Republican who investigated ties between Donald Trump’s first presidential campaign and Russia, died on Friday, his family said. He was 81 years old.
Mueller’s family issued a statement Saturday announcing his passing.
“With deep sadness, we are sharing the news that Bob passed away last night. His family asks that their privacy be respected.”
Last August, Mueller’s family told the New York Times that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the summer of 2021. He had difficulty speaking and experienced mobility issues last year, people familiar with his condition said at the time.
Trump celebrates death
Trump celebrated Mueller’s death on social media, saying he was “glad” the former FBI director had passed away.
“Robert Mueller just died,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!”
Meanwhile, former President George W. Bush said he and his wife Laura were “deeply saddened” to hear the news of Mueller’s passing.
“Bob dedicated his life to public service,” he said in a statement through the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
“As a Marine in Vietnam, he proved he was ready for tough assignments. He earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart before returning home to pursue law.”
Bush praised Mueller for transforming the FBI to protect the country following the September 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C..
“He led the agency effectively, helping prevent another terrorist attack on U.S. soil. Laura and I send our heartfelt sympathy to his wife of nearly 60 years, Ann, and the Mueller family.”
Former President Barack Obama called Mueller “one of the finest directors” in the FBI’s history who transformed the bureau after 9/11.
“But it was his relentless commitment to the rule of law and his unwavering belief in our bedrock values that made him one of the most respected public servants of our time,” Obama wrote on X. “Michelle and I send our condolences to Bob’s family, and everyone who knew and admired him.”
FBI director under Bush and Obama
Bush nominated Mueller for director of the FBI in July 2001 and he was on the job one week before the terrorist attacks.
He served as FBI director for 12 years after he was asked to extend his tenure by Obama an extra two years.
In May 2017, Mueller was named special counsel for the Department of Justice and launched a criminal investigation between associates who worked on Trump’s presidential campaign and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin about election interference.
The special counsel’s office concluded the investigation into Russian interference in March 2019 and sent a report to the Department of Justice.
Then Attorney General William Barr filed a four-page letter to Congress detailing Russia’s efforts to influence the 2016 presidential election.
“[T]he investigation did not establish that members of the Trump Campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in its election interference activities,” Barr quoted the report.
In regards to whether Trump obstructed justice, Barr said the report didn’t reach a conclusion, noting that Mueller wrote “while this report does not conclude that the President committed a crime, it also does not exonerate him.”
Charges against Trump’s associates
However, criminal charges were brought against six of Trump’s associates, including his campaign chairman Paul Manafort and first national security adviser, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn.
During the investigation, the New York Times reported that Trump tried to fire Mueller as special counsel but backed off when White House lawyers threatened to quit.
In an April 2019 tweet, Trump said he had the right to “end the whole witch hunt” by firing Mueller.
“I had the right to end the whole Witch Hunt if I wanted,” Trump wrote. “I could have fired everyone, including Mueller, if I wanted. I chose not to. I had the RIGHT to use Executive Privilege. I didn’t!”
Mueller leaves behind wife Ann Standish Mueller and their two daughters, Melissa and Cynthia.