WASHINGTON (TNND) — Robert S. Mueller III, the former FBI director who led the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, has died.
His family shared the news on Saturday, noting that he died a day prior.
FILE – Special counsel Robert S. Mueller III testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington before the House Judiciary Committee in Washington, July 24, 2019. Mueller, a former FBI director, died on Friday, March 20, 2026. He was 81. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
“With deep sadness, we are sharing the news that Bob passed away,” his loved ones said in a statement, according to the Associated Press.
Mueller served as FBI director from 2001 to 2013, taking over just one week before the Sept. 11 attacks and going on to reshape the bureau into a counterterrorism-focused agency in the years that followed.
A Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War, Mueller spent decades in public service, holding top roles at the Department of Justice before leading the FBI through one of the most challenging periods in its history.
He returned to the national spotlight in 2017, when he was appointed special counsel to investigate Russia’s interference in the 2016 election and any potential ties to President Donald Trump’s campaign.
While Mueller’s probe documented extensive Russian interference and contacts with Trump’s associates, it did not establish a criminal conspiracy between the campaign and Moscow.
Trump repeatedly criticized Mueller during and after the investigation, often calling it a “witch hunt.”
Trump posted on social media about Mueller’s death, saying he’s “glad” Mueller died.
“Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead,” Trump wrote. “He can no longer hurt innocent people!”
Mueller is survived by his wife, two daughters, and grandchildren.
________________
JOIN THE CONVERSATION (2)
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this report.