Trump-Russia Collusion and Young Voters

Nikhil Kalghatgi


New York Times
reporters Scott Shane and Mark Mazzetti recently published what might be the most comprehensive review of the Mueller probe into the extent of Trump’s alleged collusion with Russia. Certainly the article, titled The Plot to Subvert an Election, is a must-read for all those interested in the topic–but how many people are interested in this topic, and how many of those people will consider the results of the ongoing probe when they cast their votes during the midterms?

Keeping in mind that heavily increased youth participation was a major force behind the results of the 2016 primaries, I surveyed several Whitney Young seniors about their attitudes towards the alleged collusion. Secundino Vazquez ‘19, admitted that his knowledge about the state of the Mueller probe was rudimentary, but he offered the opinion that we should “consider Trump innocent until proven guilty”, that is, we should delay judgement until the courts have had their say. Nico Murolo ‘19 and Edward Yang ‘19 said that they were fairly aware of the facts of the case, noting that it has been proven that some of Trump’s close associates had met with Russian agents. They both mentioned that these revelations have made them suspicious of Trump, and Yang also shared that the progress of Mueller’s investigation “will definitely influence [his] decision in the midterm elections”. Murolo mentioned that while he cannot vote in the midterm elections the issue is “still very important” to him.

Shane and Mazzetti focus on Russian attempts to influence the election through social media, noting that the success of such attempts is sure to embolden the K.G.B.’s successors. While such actions would ostensibly affect young voters disproportionately, it is also the case that young voters are more inclined to treat what they see on social media with skepticism. In the end, only one thing is clear: we must wait to find out to what extent Trump colluded with Russia, and how youth voters perceive these allegations.