Robert Mueller, who led the FBI from 2001 to 2013 and investigated Russian interference in the 2016 US election, has died, prompting a reaction from former President Donald Trump.
Mueller’s Death and Trump’s Response
The cause of the long-time FBI director’s death is unknown, but sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MSZ) reported he had been battling Parkinson’s disease for years. Mueller died on Friday.
Trump stated, “Robert Mueller just died. That’s good, I’m glad he’s dead. He won’t be able to harm innocent people anymore!” in a post on Truth Social.
Mueller’s Career and the Russia Investigation
Mueller served as the Director of the FBI from 2001 to 2013. He later served as Special Counsel, leading the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election.
The 22-month investigation examined both Russian interference in the election and contacts between individuals close to Trump and representatives of the Kremlin, as well as whether the President attempted to obstruct justice.
Investigation Findings
The investigation resulted in 37 indictments and seven guilty pleas, according to the MSZ. No evidence of cooperation between Trump or his associates and Russia was found. The report did not conclude that Trump committed any crimes, nor did it definitively state he did not attempt to obstruct justice.
Trump’s Criticism of the Investigation
Trump frequently labeled Mueller’s investigation as a “witch hunt” and “treason,” making Mueller a target of his criticism.
Mueller’s Background and Appointment
Robert S. Mueller III was a Republican who served under both Republican and Democratic presidents. He was a Marine Corps veteran and fought in the Vietnam War. Before becoming FBI Director, he worked as a federal prosecutor.
Mueller was appointed Special Counsel in May 2017 after Trump unexpectedly fired then-FBI Director James Comey, who was overseeing the investigation.
