Robert Mueller facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Mueller
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Official portrait, 2011
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| Special Counsel for the United States Department of Justice | |
| In office May 17, 2017 – May 29, 2019 |
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| Appointed by | Rod Rosenstein |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| 6th Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation | |
| In office September 4, 2001 – September 4, 2013 |
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| President | |
| Deputy |
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| Preceded by | Thomas J. Pickard (acting) |
| Succeeded by | James Comey |
| United States Deputy Attorney General | |
| Acting January 20, 2001 – May 10, 2001 |
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| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Eric Holder |
| Succeeded by | Larry Thompson |
| United States Attorney for the Northern District of California | |
| In office August 1998 – August 2001 |
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| President |
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| Preceded by | Michael Yamaguchi |
| Succeeded by | Kevin V. Ryan |
| United States Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division | |
| In office August 1990 – January 1993 |
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| President | George H. W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Edward Dennis |
| Succeeded by | Jo Ann Harris |
| United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts | |
| Acting October 10, 1986 – April 6, 1987 |
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| President | Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | Bill Weld |
| Succeeded by | Frank L. McNamara Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Robert Swan Mueller III
August 7, 1944 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | March 20, 2026 (aged 81) Charlottesville, Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Ann Cabell Standish
(m. 1966) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Marine Corps |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | H Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division |
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Robert Swan Mueller III (August 7, 1944 – March 20, 2026) was an important American lawyer and public servant. He was best known for leading the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for 12 years. He also served as a special investigator for the U.S. government.
Mueller was a brave Marine officer during the Vietnam War. He earned medals for his courage. After his military service, he became a lawyer. He worked for several U.S. presidents from both major political parties.
He held many important roles in the government. These included being a prosecutor and a top official in the United States Department of Justice. From 2001 to 2013, he was the Director of the FBI. He was the only person since 1972 to lead the FBI for more than 10 years.
In 2017, Mueller was chosen to lead a special investigation. This inquiry looked into claims of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. He finished his report in 2019.
Robert Mueller: A Life of Service
Early Life and Education
Robert Swan Mueller III was born in New York City on August 7, 1944. He was the first of five children. His father was a U.S. Navy officer during World War II.
Mueller grew up in Princeton, New Jersey. He later attended St. Paul's School. There, he was a top athlete, leading teams in soccer, hockey, and lacrosse. He graduated in 1962.
He then went to Princeton University. He studied politics and continued to play lacrosse. In 1966, he earned his bachelor's degree. He later received a master's degree from New York University in 1967. After serving in the military, he earned a law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1973.
Serving in the Marines
Mueller decided to join the military after a friend died in the Vietnam War. He felt it was important to serve his country. In 1968, he joined the United States Marine Corps.
He completed tough training, including Ranger School. This training taught him how to react under difficult conditions. In the summer of 1968, Mueller went to South Vietnam. He led a group of Marines.
Vietnam War Heroism
On December 11, 1968, Mueller showed great bravery. He rescued a wounded Marine while under enemy fire. For his actions, he received the Bronze Star Medal. He was also wounded in April 1969.
Mueller received the Purple Heart for his injury. He also earned other medals for his service. He left active duty in 1970 as a captain. He later said he was most proud of leading other Marines.
A Career in Law
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After law school, Mueller worked as a lawyer in San Francisco. In 1976, he joined the United States Attorney's office. He became the chief of the criminal division there.
In 1982, he moved to Boston. He worked as an Assistant United States Attorney. He investigated and prosecuted important cases. These included financial scams and public corruption.
Working for Justice
Mueller later returned to government service in 1989. He worked for the United States Department of Justice. In 1990, he became the Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division. He oversaw major prosecutions during this time.
After a period in private law, he returned to public service in 1995. He worked as a senior prosecutor in Washington, D.C. In 1998, he became the U.S. Attorney for Northern California. He held this role until 2001.
Leading the FBI
President George W. Bush chose Mueller to be the Director of the FBI. The Senate confirmed his appointment on August 2, 2001. He officially started his role on September 4, 2001. This was just one week before the September 11 attacks.
Important Decisions as Director
As FBI Director, Mueller faced many challenges. He led the agency through a time of increased focus on national security. He made sure that FBI personnel did not use certain harsh questioning methods.
In 2004, Mueller raised concerns about a government surveillance program. He and other officials threatened to resign over it. President Bush later agreed to change the program.
In 2011, President Barack Obama asked Mueller to stay on as FBI Director for two more years. The Senate approved this request. He served until September 4, 2013, when James Comey replaced him. Mueller defended government surveillance programs. He stated they followed U.S. law and protected basic rights.
Return to Private Work
After leaving the FBI in 2013, Mueller taught at Stanford University. He focused on computer security. In 2014, he joined a law firm called WilmerHale.
He oversaw independent investigations for various organizations. For example, he looked into how the NFL handled a situation involving a player. He also helped manage settlements for a major car company scandal. In 2016, he received the Sylvanus Thayer Award for public service.
The Special Counsel Investigation
On May 17, 2017, Robert Mueller was appointed as a special counsel. His job was to investigate claims of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. He also looked into any connections between the Russian government and people involved with Donald Trump's campaign.
Looking into Election Interference
Mueller's appointment received wide support from both major political parties. Many leaders believed he was the right person for the job. He assembled a team of experienced lawyers and investigators.
He submitted his final report on March 22, 2019. The report stated that his investigation did not find that the Trump campaign worked with Russia to influence the election. Regarding whether the President committed a crime, the report said it did not conclude that he did, but it also did not clear him.
On May 29, 2019, Mueller spoke publicly about his report. He emphasized that there were "multiple, systematic efforts to interfere in our election." He warned that this issue deserved the attention of every American. He also noted that foreign interference in American elections continues and is a serious threat.
Retirement
In June 2021, Mueller helped teach a course at the University of Virginia School of Law. The course focused on his special counsel report. In 2024, a book about his investigation was released, and Mueller wrote the introduction.
Life Outside of Work
Mueller met his wife, Ann Cabell Standish, when they were 17. They married in 1966. Ann worked as a special-education teacher. They had two daughters and three grandchildren. One of their daughters was born with spina bifida.
In 2001, Mueller was diagnosed with prostate cancer. His Senate confirmation hearings for FBI Director were delayed while he received treatment. He recovered and began his role after a good prognosis. Mueller was a member of the Episcopal Church.
Health and Death
In August 2025, Mueller's family shared that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2021. Robert Mueller passed away on March 20, 2026, in Charlottesville, Virginia, at the age of 81.
Images for kids
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Protect Mueller protest in Washington, D.C., 2018
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See also
In Spanish: Robert Mueller para niños
