Robert Mueller, Former FBI Director, Dies at 81

The Marine and FBI director's long service was marred by the Russia collusion probe.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 8:52pm

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Robert Mueller, who served as the second-longest-serving director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, has died at the age of 81. Mueller was born in Manhattan in 1944 and joined the Marines after a classmate was killed in Vietnam in 1967. He was wounded in battle but returned to the battlefield, displaying a noble contrast to many of his generation.

Why it matters

Mueller's death marks the end of a long career in public service, including his time leading the FBI. However, his legacy will be forever linked to the Russia collusion probe he oversaw, which became a divisive and politically charged investigation during the Trump presidency.

The details

Robert S. Mueller III was born in Manhattan in 1944, the son of a DuPont executive. He attended Princeton, but when a classmate was killed in Vietnam in 1967, he joined the Marines. He was wounded and returned to the battlefield.

  • Robert Mueller died on Friday, March 22, 2026.

The players

Robert Mueller

The former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation who served from 2001 to 2013.

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The takeaway

Mueller's life and career were marked by a commitment to public service, from his time in the Marines to his leadership of the FBI. However, the Russia collusion probe he oversaw will likely be the defining part of his legacy, for better or worse.