A strong majority of Democrats and Democratic-leaners (84 percent) and Independents who do not lean toward either party (61 percent) say that the firing was not appropriate. Among Republicans and Republican-leaners, 79 percent approve of the move, while 13 percent say it was not appropriate.

Overall, 46 percent of Americans think Trump’s decision to fire Comey was related to the Russia investigation. About a quarter, 24 percent, believe Comey’s removal was due to his handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation, and 22 percent said it was something else.