At least 58 percent of respondents say it was “more important to improve relations with Russia,” while 36 percent say “strong diplomatic steps against Russia” are a priority.
The surprising results of the poll, conducted between August 1-12, comes after almost two years of constant media bombardment over “Russian meddling” in US elections, invasive investigations by the US Department of Justice which Trump has refered to as a “witch hunt,” and an admission by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein that alleged hacking and social media influence campaigns by Russia had no effect on the 2016 US election.
Some 75 percent of those surveyed by Gallup nevertheless think that Russia interfered in the election, while 16 percent say they did not. Of those who believe that Russia interfered, 36 percent said it did not change the outcome, while 39 percent say it did.
But opinions over whether Russia actually influenced the election were highly partisan – with 78 percent of Democrats saying that Russian interference affected the outcome of the election, and just 9 percent of Republicans who believe that Russia both hacked – and changed the outcome to get President Trump elected.
The vast majority of Republicans – 58 percent – believe Russia did interfere, but that it did not affect the outcome.
The Trump administration announced a new round of sanctions against Russia in response to allegations that the Kremlin was behind an attack against former Russia double-agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, earlier this month.
According to Gallup Americans want their government to seek better relations with Russia despite their “meddling” in US elections.
“Although US-Russian tensions continue to simmer, more Americans are inclined to believe the US is better off trying to improve relations with Russia. Americans are largely convinced that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election but are divided, largely along party lines, as to whether that country’s involvement changed the outcome,” Gallup concluded.
