Robert Mueller, ex-FBI chief who led Trump-Russia investigation, dies at 81

Robert S. Mueller III, former FBI Director and special counsel who led the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and potential ties to the Trump campaign, died on Friday at the age of 81. Mueller transformed the FBI into a counter-terrorism agency after the September 11th attacks, serving as director for twelve years. His appointment as special counsel in 2017 led to a high-profile investigation that dominated national headlines for two years. While the family announced his death, they did not disclose the cause, though it was reported last year that Mueller had Parkinson's disease. Former President Trump responded to the news with a post on social media expressing satisfaction at Mueller's passing.

Robert Mueller, former FBI Director and special counsel who led the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 US election, died Friday night at the age of 81. Appointed FBI Director by George W. Bush in September 2001, he shifted the bureau's focus to national security following the 9/11 attacks. After stepping down in 2013, Mueller was appointed special counsel in 2017 to investigate potential Russian meddling in the election that saw Donald Trump elected president. Trump responded to the news of Mueller's death with a post on Truth Social. Mueller is survived by his wife and two children.