Former FBI Director Robert Mueller, best known for leading the Russia investigation into President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign, has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, his family confirmed to The New York Times. A congressional subpoena had recently requested him to answer questions about the Epstein case; however, it was withdrawn after lawmakers learned he could not comply with the request, Fox News reported.  

Mueller, 81, received the diagnosis in the summer of 2021 and stepped away from public life later that year. According to a family statement, he briefly taught at his law school alma mater during the fall semesters of 2021 and 2022 before fully retiring in late 2022.

“Bob was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the summer of 2021. 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,” the statement said. “His family asks that his privacy be respected.”

House Oversight Committee investigators had subpoenaed Mueller to testify as part of their probe into Jeffrey Epstein. However, lawmakers later withdrew the request after learning of his health condition. A source familiar with the decision told Fox News that the committee “learned that Mr. Mueller has health issues that preclude him from being able to testify.” However, this happened before The New York Times’ report publicly revealed Mueller’s diagnosis.

Recent reports indicate Mueller has faced challenges with both speech and mobility, leaving him unable to comply with the subpoena.

During his tenure as FBI director from 2001 to 2013, Mueller oversaw the bureau at the time of its 2007 investigation into Epstein. That period has drawn renewed scrutiny as part of the Oversight Committee’s ongoing probe.

Committee Chair James Comer (R-KY) has argued that the 2007 handling of Epstein’s case is central to his inquiry, pointing to a draft 60-count indictment that was abandoned in favor of so-called non-prosecution agreement. Epstein was not charged by the prosecution but pleaded guilty to lesser charges and was allowed to leave custody for work at the time.

Mueller was among several high-profile figures subpoenaed by Comer, including former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.