A Meet the Press archive interview with former FBI Director Robert Mueller, who led the bureau through the transformative period following the September 11, 2001 attacks, is featured in NBC News's extensive video archive.
Mueller served as FBI Director from 2001 to 2013, overseeing the agency's significant restructuring in the wake of 9/11. The interview, part of Meet the Press's historical archive, covers Mueller's reflections on how the FBI was rebuilt and modernized to address evolving national security threats.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative commentators have credited Mueller with strengthening the FBI's counterterrorism capabilities and improving coordination with other federal agencies. Former Bush administration officials have noted that Mueller's steady leadership was crucial in the immediate aftermath of the attacks and during the bureau's expansion of domestic surveillance authorities.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive analysts and former Justice Department officials have praised Mueller's leadership during the post-9/11 period, noting that he successfully transformed the FBI from a law enforcement agency into one that also prioritized intelligence gathering and counterterrorism. Civil liberties advocates have also weighed in on the balance between security and privacy during this transformation.
What the Numbers Show
The FBI's budget increased significantly during Mueller's tenure, growing from approximately $3.5 billion in 2001 to over $8 billion by 2013. The bureau's workforce expanded by thousands of agents and analysts, with particular growth in the intelligence and counterterrorism divisions. The number of joint terrorism task forces across the country increased from about 35 in 2001 to more than 180 by the end of Mueller's directorship.
The Bottom Line
The Meet the Press archive interview with Mueller provides historical context for understanding how the FBI adapted following the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history. The agency's transformation under Mueller's leadership fundamentally changed American law enforcement and intelligence gathering. Viewers interested in the full interview can access it through NBC News's Meet the Press archive.