Ex-FBI director Robert Mueller, who led Trump-Russia probe as special counsel, dies at 81

Robert Mueller (File photo)

Former FBI director Robert Mueller who led the high-stakes investigation into alleged ties between Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia, has died at the age of 81.“With deep sadness, we are sharing the news that Bob passed away last night,” his family said in a statement on Saturday, requesting privacy, reported CNN. Mueller had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2021.Mueller, a widely respected figure across party lines for much of his career, served as FBI director for 12 years after being appointed by George W Bush in 2001 and later asked by Barack Obama to extend his tenure. He became the longest-serving FBI chief since J. Edgar Hoover.His was appointed as special counsel in 2017 to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 US election and possible links to Trump’s campaign. The 2019 report alleged numerous contacts between Trump associates and Russian officials, stating the campaign “expected it would benefit electorally” from information released through Russian efforts.However, Mueller did not establish a criminal conspiracy between the campaign and Russia. He also declined to charge Trump with obstruction of justice, citing Justice Department guidelines against indicting a sitting president. “If we had confidence that the president clearly did not commit a crime, we would have said so,” Mueller said at the time.The probe resulted in charges against 37 individuals and entities, with several Trump associates — including Paul Manafort, Michael Flynn and Michael Cohen — convicted or pleading guilty. Still, the investigation became deeply polarising, with Trump repeatedly calling it a “witch hunt.”Reacting to Mueller’s death, Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!”Beyond the Russia probe, Mueller had a long career in public service. A decorated Marine veteran of the Vietnam War, he later rose through the Justice Department, overseeing major prosecutions including those of Manuel Noriega and John Gotti. He also played a key role in the investigation into the 1988 Lockerbie bombing.As FBI director, Mueller led the bureau through the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, overseeing a major shift toward counterterrorism and expanded surveillance powers under the Patriot Act.In later years, he warned that foreign election interference could become a persistent threat. “I hope this is not the new normal,” he told Congress in 2019. “But I fear it is.”