Exclusive
Questions swirl around US plans for record $15B Prince Group crypto seizure Questions swirl around US plans for record $15B Prince Group crypto seizure Donate to ICIJ Donate to ICIJ Chelsea FC fined millions over secret payments under Abramovich ownership Chelsea FC fined millions over secret payments under Abramovich ownership
Crime

Robert Mueller, special counsel who investigated Russia-Trump campaign ties, dies at 81

Robert S. Mueller III, the FBI director who transformed the nation’s premier law enforcement agency into a terrorism-fighting force after the September 11 attacks and…

By Samantha Johnson / March 21, 2026

Robert S. Mueller III, the FBI director who transformed the nation’s premier law enforcement agency into a terrorism-fighting force after the September 11 attacks and who later became special counsel in charge of investigating ties between Russia and Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, has died. He was 81.

“With deep sadness, we are sharing the news that Bob passed away” on Friday night, his family said in a statement on Saturday.

“His family asks that their privacy be respected.”

Advertisement

No cause of ⁠death was given for Mueller, a decorated Vietnam war veteran. The New York Times reported last year that Mueller had Parkinson’s disease.

At the FBI, Mueller set about almost immediately overhauling the bureau’s mission to meet the law enforcement needs of the 21st century, beginning his 12-year tenure just one week before the September 11 attacks and serving across presidents of both political parties.

Former special counsel Robert Mueller departs from the US Capitol in July 2019. Photo: Reuters
Former special counsel Robert Mueller departs from the US Capitol in July 2019. Photo: Reuters

He was nominated by Republican President George W. Bush.

Advertisement

Don't Miss: