Robert Mueller, the former special counsel who led the investigation into ties between Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and Russia, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease four years ago, according to his family.
“Bob was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the summer of 2021,” Mueller’s family said in a statement to the New York Times on Sunday.
“He retired from the practice of law at the end of that year. He taught at his law school alma mater during the fall of both 2021 and 2022, and he retired at the end of 2022. His family asks that his privacy be respected,” the statement said.
Former special counsel Robert Mueller testifies before the House Judiciary Committee about his report on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election in the Rayburn House Office Building July 24, 2019 in Washington, DC. Getty Images
Mueller has recently had trouble moving and speaking and will be unable to comply with a congressional request to testify this week as the House Oversight Committee had planned to subpoena him to appear Tuesday in an investigation into the federal handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, sources told the outlet.
Lawmakers wished to question Mueller, 81, about his handling of Epstein’s case while serving as the FBI director from 2001 to 2013.
Mueller is sworn in to testify before a House Intelligence Committee hearing on the Office of Special Counsel’s investigation into Russian Interference in the 2016 Presidential Election on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., July 24, 2019. Jonathan Ernst – Pool via CNP
Concerns about Mueller’s health began in 2019 when he delivered stumbling testimony before the House Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill.
The former FBI director, then 74, oscillated between steadfastness and mumbling, his microphone at points failing him as he struggled to be heard above the din of spectators and photographers.
Then FBI Director Mueller meets with former President Barack Obama to discuss developments in the Boston Marathon bombings in April 2013. AP
“I was surprised that Mr. Mueller was so disorientated,” Republican Arizona Rep. Debbie Lesko told The Post after the initial three-hour testimony wrapped up.
“He was unable to answer some basic questions, which really surprised me,” she said.
His Parkinson’s diagnosis came just two years later, according to his family.
The disease, which typically affects people over 60, causes tremors, slowness, and speech difficulties. There is no cure, though early symptoms can be managed.
Mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression can emerge as the disease progresses.
James Comer of Kentucky, the Republican chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, is leading the inquiry into Epstein’s case – bringing in a slew of former officials, including ex-FBI director James Comey, Hillary and Bill Clinton, Eric Holder Jr., Merrick Garland, Alberto Gonzales, Jeff Sessions, and William Barr.