Opinion

GREGG JARRETT: Robert Mueller's tragic fall from grace and the damage he left in his wake

The former FBI Director's final undertaking will forever stain his legacy. He committed a grave disservice to the nation

By Gregg Jarrett Fox News

Published March 27, 2026 5:00am EDT

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Former Special Counsel Robert Mueller dead at 81

Fox News chief congressional correspondent Chad Pergram reports on the death of former Special Counsel and FBI director Robert Mueller.

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Sometimes beneath the noble exterior, human imperfection is exposed, and a sturdy reputation is shattered.

With the recent passing of Robert Mueller we are reminded that even accomplished figures can stumble into an abyss of poor decisions and regrettable mistakes. His tarnished legacy is the sad coda to a once towering life and career.

Mueller’s earlier service in the military and high government positions, including as director of the FBI, was commendable. But in May 2017, he agreed to serve as special counsel to investigate allegations that Donald Trump colluded with Russia to interfere in the 2016 presidential election.

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What followed was a contemptible partisan inquisition that tore the nation apart and severely impaired Trump’s first term in office. Thuggish tactics, coercion, and threats were deployed, innocent people were targeted and persecuted and legal rights were shredded — leaving lives in ruins.

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In the end, Mueller’s belated report found that there was no Trump-Russia conspiracy. Anyone with an ounce of common sense already knew that. It was all a hoax and the worst political fraud ever perpetrated. But the damage was done, and Mueller bears much of the blame. And the shame.

I recounted the ugly details in my book, "Witch Hunt: The Story of the Greatest Mass Delusion in American Political History." As special counsel, Mueller’s actions were not only noxious but patently unfair to Trump and so many others.

In the end, Mueller’s belated report found that there was no Trump-Russia conspiracy. Anyone with an ounce of common sense already knew that. It was all a hoax and the worst political fraud ever perpetrated. 

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