Former FBI director Robert Mueller, who investigated Russia-Trump campaign ties, dies
Mueller transformed the nation's premier law enforcement agency into a terrorism-fighting force after the September 11 attacks.
Summary
Robert Mueller, the former FBI director known for his role in reshaping the agency into a counter-terrorism force after the September 11 attacks, has died on March 21, 2026.
Mueller's tenure included significant operational shifts aimed at enhancing national security and addressing emerging threats, particularly in the wake of global terrorism.
Additionally, he served as special counsel in the investigation into alleged ties between the Trump campaign and Russia, a role that underscored the complexities of political oversight and legal accountability.
Updates
Update at 17:57 UTC on 2026-03-21
NPR News reported Mueller's family revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease prior to his passing.
Sources: NPR News
Update at 20:31 UTC on 2026-03-21
France 24 reported Robert Mueller, the former FBI director who led the investigation into alleged Russian interference in US President Donald Trump’s 2016 election campaign, has died aged 81.
Sources: France 24
Update at 23:55 UTC on 2026-03-21
DW News reported Donald Trump celebrated the death of the former FBI director who found a substantial link between Russia and his 2016 campaign.
Sources: DW News
Update at 08:36 UTC on 2026-03-22
Le Monde reported The former president expresses relief over the passing of the special prosecutor involved in the 2016 election investigation.
Sources: Le Monde
Update at 11:07 UTC on 2026-03-22
France 24 reported Donald Trump’s gloating reaction to the death of former FBI director Robert Mueller reveals the state of public life in the US.
Sources: France 24