Robert S. Mueller III, the former special counsel who led the investigation into ties between Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and Russia, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease four years ago, according to his family.
“Bob was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the summer of 2021,” Mueller’s family said in a statement to the New York Times.
“He retired from the practice of law at the end of that year. He taught at his law school alma mater during the fall of both 2021 and 2022, and he retired at the end of 2022. His family asks that his privacy be respected,” the statement said.
Mueller has recently had trouble moving and speaking and will be unable to comply with a congressional request to testify this week as the House Oversight Committee had planned to subpoena him to appear Tuesday in an investigation into the federal handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, sources told the outlet.
Lawmakers wished to question Mueller, 81, about his handling of Epstein’s case while serving as the FBI director from 2001 to 2013.
Parkinson’s disease, which typically affects people over 60, causes tremors, slowness, and speech difficulties. There is no cure, though early symptoms can be managed. Mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression can emerge as the disease progresses.
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