Robert Mueller, special counsel who probed but did not charge Trump, dies at 81
The Hindu
Robert Mueller, former FBI chief and special counsel, dies at 81, known for investigating Russian election interference.
Robert Mueller, the no-nonsense former FBI chief who documented Russia's interference in the 2016 U.S. election and its contacts with Donald Trump's campaign but opted not to bring criminal charges against a sitting President, has died at age 81, multiple news outlets reported on Saturday (March 21, 2026).
His death was reported by MS NOW and a New York Times journalist who posted a statement attributed to the Mueller family. No cause of death was given for Mueller, a decorated Vietnam War veteran who led the FBI in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the U.S.
The New York Times last year reported that Mueller had Parkinson's disease.
Mueller retired after 12 years as Federal Bureau of Investigation director in 2013 but was summoned back to public service by a senior Justice Department official four years later as a special counsel to take over an inquiry into Russia's election meddling after Mr. Trump fired then-FBI chief James Comey.
Mueller conducted a 22-month investigation that produced indictments against 34 people, including several Mr. Trump associates as well as Russian intelligence officers and three Russian companies, and a series of guilty pleas and convictions. Mueller ultimately stopped short of a criminal indictment of the Republican president, bitterly disappointing many Democrats.
Mr. Trump on Saturday celebrated Mueller's passing. "Good, I'm glad he's dead," Mr. Trump wrote on the Truth Social site. "He can no longer hurt innocent people!"
Trump considers winding down military operations in Iran, rejecting a ceasefire amid escalating tensions and regional conflict.
BTS returns with a massive concert in Seoul, attracting 260,000 fans and streaming live on Netflix.
U.S. airport delays are expected to worsen as TSA staffing issues persist amid an ongoing government shutdown.
Iran-Israel war: Follow the latest updates from The Hindu on the West Asia war, on March 21, 2026
A federal judge blocks the Pentagon's restrictive press access policy, emphasizing the public's right to diverse information.
UK approves US strikes from British bases on Iran missile sites, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer seeks to avoid war.
Czech authorities investigate a suspected arson at a drone technology warehouse linked to anti-Israel group claims.
Ayatollah Khamenei claims Iran has struck a significant blow against enemies amid escalating tensions and ongoing conflict with Israel.
Trump labels NATO allies "cowards" for not supporting the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, criticizing their inaction amid rising oil prices.
Iran warns that global tourist sites are unsafe for Israeli and U.S. officials, while continuing missile development amid ongoing conflict.
Explore how U.S. and Israeli assassinations have transformed Iranian leaders into martyrs, reinforcing a culture of sacrifice and defiance.
Exiled Iranian writer Shahrnush Parsipur’s banned novella explores women’s freedom amid political repression and cultural patriarchy.
Sri Lanka denies U.S. warplanes access to its airport, balancing ties with the U.S. and Iran amid trade interests.