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Robert Mueller, key figure in US politics, passes away
Robert Mueller, the former special counsel whose probe into Russian interference in the 2016 US election shaped Donald Trump's presidency, has died at the age of 81. His family confirmed his death on Friday night but did not disclose the cause. CBS News, citing the family's statement to the Associated Press, reported the news.
Family requests privacy amid mourning
In a statement released through the AP, Mueller's family expressed their grief and asked for privacy during this time. He is survived by his wife of nearly six decades, Ann Cabell Standish, their two daughters, and three grandchildren.
A lifetime of public service
Mueller's career in public service spanned over five decades, beginning with his service in the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. As a lieutenant, he led a platoon, sustained injuries in combat, and was awarded the Bronze Star for valor and a Purple Heart.
After earning his law degree from the University of Virginia in 1973, Mueller joined the Department of Justice, where he held various roles before being appointed FBI director in 2001. His tenure at the FBI, which lasted until 2013, was marked by his leadership during the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, transforming the agency into a modern counterterrorism force.
The Russia investigation and its fallout
Mueller's most high-profile role came in 2017 when he was appointed special counsel to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and potential ties to Donald Trump's campaign. The inquiry, which lasted nearly two years, became a defining chapter of Trump's presidency.
Trump repeatedly denounced the investigation as a "witch hunt" and a "hoax," asserting there was "no collusion" between his campaign and Russia. On Saturday, following news of Mueller's death, Trump posted on Truth Social: "I'm glad he's dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!"
Mueller's team indicted several of Trump's associates, including former campaign manager Paul Manafort and national security adviser Michael Flynn. However, the 448-page report released in 2019 concluded that while Russia interfered in the election in a "sweeping and systemic fashion," there was insufficient evidence to establish coordination between the Trump campaign and Russian operatives.
"While this report does not conclude that the president committed a crime, it also does not exonerate him."
Mueller Report, 2019
Legacy and tributes
Mueller's leadership and integrity were widely praised by colleagues and political figures across the spectrum. Former FBI director James Comey, who succeeded Mueller and was later fired by Trump, called him "a great American" and someone he was "lucky to learn from and stand beside."
Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, both of whom worked with Mueller during his tenure as FBI director, also paid tribute. Bush, who appointed Mueller just days before the 9/11 attacks, credited him with preventing further terrorist attacks on US soil. Obama described him as "one of the finest directors in the history of the FBI" and praised his "relentless commitment to the rule of law."
Andrew Weissmann, a member of Mueller's special counsel team, told the BBC that Mueller's decision-making was guided by "integrity and thoughtfulness," reflecting his deep faith in the American people and democratic institutions.
A final interview and reflections
In a rare 2021 interview with MSNBC, Mueller reflected on his career and the challenges of leading the Russia investigation. When asked why he took on such a politically charged role, he responded: "I found that I've gotten tremendous enjoyment out of public service. And I find it hard to turn down a challenging assignment."
