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LEARN MOREMeet Robert Mueller, The Special Counsel Appointed In The Russia Probe
Mueller was a decorated Marine officer and a federal prosecutor before he was tapped as FBI director in 2001.
Meet Robert Mueller, The Special Counsel Appointed In The Russia Probe
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May 18, 2017
This is former FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III.
He's the man the Justice Department tapped as special counsel to lead the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
It won't be an easy task, but if Mueller's past is any indication, he'll be up for the challenge.
Mueller, a former Marine officer and federal prosecutor, was sworn in as the sixth director of the FBI on Sept. 4, 2001 — just a week before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Not only did he lead the bureau through the aftermath, but he's also credited with transforming the FBI as we know it today.
During Mueller's 12 years at the helm, he overhauled the bureau to prioritize the threat of terrorism over solving domestic crimes, which helped thwart several planned attacks.
One of his former FBI colleagues told USA Today, "He is apolitical and follows the rule of law, and follows the evidence wherever it leads, regardless of political outcomes."
He was also well-known for his tough but fair approach to his job.
And that's why lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have praised the Justice Department's decision to appoint Mueller as special counsel.
Mueller will begin his work on the Russia investigation immediately.
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