Final answer:
The student's question pertains to the Special Counsel investigation helmed by Robert Mueller into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and related subsequent legal affairs, including the effect these events had on public opinion and election processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of the student’s question revolves around the Special Counsel investigation led by Robert Mueller into potential Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and its aftermath, including opinion polls such as one conducted by the Drudge Report. The investigation uncovered various links between the Trump campaign and Russian actors, leading to indictments of high-profile individuals associated with President Trump, such as Paul Manafort, Michael Cohen, and Roger Stone. Despite the legal controversies surrounding President Trump, including two impeachments related to abuse of power and incitement of insurrection, he did not face charges stemming from Mueller's investigation as of the time of the question. The 2020 presidential election, occurring amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, brought forth a high voting turnout and highlighted issues such as the handling of the pandemic and racial inequality as pivotal to the electoral outcome, where Donald Trump was not re-elected.