Robert Mueller, the former special counsel whose investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 US election shaped much of US President Donald Trump’s first term, has died at the age of 81.
CBS News confirmed his death, though the cause has not yet been disclosed.
Mueller previously served as director of the FBI from 2001 to 2013, assuming the role just days before the September 11 attacks.
He is widely credited with transforming the FBI into a modern counterterrorism agency. His appointment as special counsel placed Trump’s 2016 campaign under intense scrutiny, drawing sharp criticism from the president.
Following news of Mueller’s death, Trump wrote on Truth Social: “I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!”
