Robert Mueller, who served as FBI Director for 12 years and later led an investigation into Donald Trump’s 2016 election campaign, has died at the age of 81, his family announced on Saturday.
The family stated, “With deep sadness, we are sharing the news that Bob passed away” on Friday night, and requested privacy.
Mueller’s role as special counsel for the Justice Department, investigating potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, drew criticism from the then-president.
Mueller’s report, he stated at the time, did not exonerate Trump.
Trump’s Response to Mueller’s Death
Following the news of Mueller’s passing, the former president took to his social media platform to express a sharply contrasting sentiment.
Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, “Robert Mueller just died. Fine, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!”
Other former presidents offered more conventional condolences. Barack Obama, who served with Mueller as FBI Director for five years, called him “one of the finest directors in the history of the FBI.”
Obama added that Mueller’s “relentless commitment to the rule of law and his unwavering belief in our bedrock values” made him a highly respected public servant.
Republican President George W. Bush, who initially nominated Mueller, stated he was “deeply saddened” and praised Mueller’s dedication to public service.
Who Was Robert Mueller?
Prior to his work on the Trump campaign investigation, Mueller served as FBI Director from 2001, taking the helm just days before the September 11th terror attacks and subsequently leading the bureau’s counterterrorism efforts.
Before his time at the FBI, Mueller was a decorated Marine who served in Vietnam, and later worked as a prosecutor in San Francisco and Boston, notably handling cases involving New York mobster John Gotti and Panama’s General Manuel Noriega.
The Scope of Mueller’s Investigation
Mueller initially retired from the FBI in 2013, after extending his tenure for five years at President Obama’s request. He was then called back into service in 2017 to investigate Russian meddling in the election, following the firing of his successor, James Comey.
The two-year investigation resulted in charges against 34 individuals, six of whom were Trump associates, and three companies. Trump repeatedly characterized the investigation as a “witch hunt.”
Mueller’s 448-page report detailed substantial contacts between the Trump campaign and Russia, but did not allege a criminal conspiracy. It also outlined attempts by the president to influence the investigation itself.
The report stated, “If we had confidence after a thorough investigation of the facts that the president clearly did not commit obstruction of justice, we would so state. Based on the facts and the applicable legal standards, we are unable to reach that judgment.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How long did Robert Mueller serve as FBI Director?
Robert Mueller served as FBI Director for 12 years.
What did Mueller’s report say about a criminal conspiracy?
Mueller’s report laid out substantial contacts between the Trump campaign and Russia, but did not allege a criminal conspiracy.
How many people were charged as a result of Mueller’s investigation?
Mueller’s investigators issued charges against 34 individuals, six of whom were Trump associates, and three companies.
Given the polarizing nature of the investigation he led, how will Robert Mueller’s legacy be remembered in the years to come?
