Public Opinion on US-Russian Relations in the Aftermath of the 2016 Election

In late 2016, opinion polls in the United States showed that Americans expected a reset in US-Russia relations with the election of Donald Trump. However, more than a year into the Trump administration, the bilateral relationship has only worsened. A Chicago Council survey conducted year-end 2017 shows that Americans express continued mistrust of Russia and a majority think Russia tried to interfere in the 2016 election. But the results also reveal surprising new partisan divides. In a twist from previous patterns, Republicans are less likely to view Russia as a threat than Democrats, and Democrats are now far more hawkish on Russia. These partisan divisions are a clear signal that everyday Republicans are following Donald Trump's lead in their skepticism of Russia's interference in US elections. They also demonstrate that at least on this issue, his rhetoric and tweets have reshaped some of the contours of US opinion on foreign policy.