Robert Mueller, a former FBI director who led the investigation into allegations of Russian meddling within the 2016 election, has died, his household confirmed to CBS Information on Saturday. He was 81.
“With deep disappointment, we’re sharing the information that Bob handed away” on Friday, his household stated in a press release, asking for his or her privateness to be revered.
A reason behind loss of life was not shared. Mueller is survived by his spouse of almost 60 years, Ann Cabell Standish, their two daughters, and three grandchildren.
Mueller served as FBI director from 2001 to 2013. In 2017, the Justice Division appointed him particular counsel to research potential coordination between Russia and the Trump group throughout the 2016 presidential election.
The almost two-year investigation resulted in seven responsible pleas and expenses towards 34 people, together with Trump allies Paul Manafort and Roger Stone, and three separate firms. It didn’t discover that the Trump marketing campaign or anybody related to it conspired or coordinated with Russia to affect the 2016 election. The report detailed 10 situations by which President Trump might have obstructed justice, however didn’t conclude whether or not he had performed so.
President Trump regularly criticized the investigation as a “witch hunt.” On Saturday, Mr. Trump addressed Mueller’s loss of life on Fact Social.
“Robert Mueller simply died. Good, I am glad he is useless. He can not damage harmless individuals!” Mr. Trump wrote.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
Former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush gave their condolences to the Mueller household later Saturday, recognizing Mueller’s many years of public service.
“Bob Mueller was one of many best administrators within the historical past of the FBI, reworking the bureau after 9/11 and saving numerous lives,” Obama stated in a press release posted on X. “However it was his relentless dedication to the rule of regulation and his unwavering perception in our bedrock values that made him one of the vital revered public servants of our time. Michelle and I ship our condolences to Bob’s household, and everybody who knew and admired him.”
In a press release via the George W. Bush Presidential Heart, Bush stated Mueller led the FBI “successfully, serving to stop one other terrorist assault on U.S. soil. Laura and I ship our heartfelt sympathy to his spouse of almost 60 years, Ann, and the Mueller household.”
Mueller was born in New York Metropolis and grew up outdoors of Philadelphia. He graduated from Princeton College and served as a U.S. Marine Corps officer for 3 years throughout the Vietnam Battle. Throughout his service, he led a rifle platoon and was awarded a Bronze Star, Purple Coronary heart and two Navy Commendation Medals. He then enrolled within the College of Virginia Faculty of Legislation and graduated in 1973.
Within the late Nineteen Seventies and thru the Eighties, Mueller labored as a U.S. Legal professional, rising shortly via the ranks. In 1990, he was appointed the U.S. Assistant Legal professional Normal for the Division of Justice’s legal division. He oversaw high-profile prosecutions, together with these of Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega and New York crime boss John Gotti.
In 2001, he was named director of the Federal Bureau of Intelligence. The September 11 assaults have been per week later. Mueller oversaw a large transformation of the bureau over the subsequent 12 years. He was recognized for personally digging into the small print of bureau investigations, even on minor circumstances, and shocking brokers who immediately discovered themselves on the telephone with him.
“The administration books will inform you that as the pinnacle of a company, it’s best to give attention to the imaginative and prescient,” CBS Information beforehand quoted Mueller as saying. However “for me, there have been and are at present these areas the place one must be considerably personally concerned.”
AP
Mueller stated in 2012 that he “anticipated to give attention to areas acquainted to me as a prosecutor — drug circumstances, white-collar legal circumstances and violent crime,” however as a substitute “needed to give attention to long-term, strategic change.”
“We needed to improve our intelligence capabilities and improve our expertise. We needed to construct upon sturdy partnerships and forge new friendships, each right here at residence and overseas,” he stated.
The FBI Brokers Affiliation, a nonprofit and advocate of energetic and retired brokers, known as Mueller “a lifelong public servant” who led the company “throughout a interval of serious change and performed an essential position in strengthening its skill to confront evolving nationwide safety threats whereas sustaining its core legal investigative mission.”
“The FBIAA extends its condolences to Director Mueller’s household and honors his dedication to public service and to the FBI’s mission,” the group stated in a press release to CBS Information.
Mueller led the FBI till 2013, when he was changed by Comey.
“Bob Mueller was a really good and sincere individual and a unprecedented American patriot. Might his instance encourage individuals of integrity to serve our nation,” Comey stated in a press release on Saturday.
When he was named head of the Russia investigation, Republicans and Democrats alike praised Mueller as somebody broadly revered for his integrity and independence.
After the Russia probe ended, Mueller participated in a six-session course on the investigation on the College of Virginia Faculty of Legislation. He additionally wrote the introduction for a e book by a prime prosecutor who helped lead the investigation.
In September 2025, Mueller was subpoenaed to testify in entrance of the Home Oversight Committee in regards to the case involving convicted intercourse offender Jeffrey Epstein, however the request was withdrawn on account of new data on his well being, a committee aide advised CBS Information on the time. The aide stated that Mueller had “well being points that preclude him from with the ability to testify.”
The New York Instances reported in September 2025 that Mueller had Parkinson’s illness. His household advised the paper he was recognized with the situation in 2021.
Some U.S. lawmakers and political figures in Washington additionally reacted to the information of Mueller’s loss of life, remembering him for his public service to the nation.
“I joined many People mourning the lack of Robert Mueller. He led a profession of public service, at all times dedicated to the rule of regulation,” Sen. Mark Warner advised reporters on the Capitol. “I did not at all times agree with him, however I be part of many and mourning is passing.”
The Virginia Democrat stated he was disenchanted within the tone of the president’s message, saying, “I suppose I should not be shocked anymore, nevertheless it nonetheless appears surprising.”
contributed to this report.
