Over the last two years, those most suspicious of President Trump have held his refusal to acknowledge Russian interference in the 2016 election as evidence that he had something to hide. Some of us have responded that Trump was probably very reluctant to concede that his election had any causes other than his own appeal and strategic brilliance as a candidate. We’ve sometimes been told that this is an excuse, although it is not really offered as one: Trump ought to have been able to make the acknowledgment; it doesn’t really undermine his legitimacy as president.


But whether it’s an excuse or not, the Mueller report repeatedly backs it up as at least a partial explanation of the president’s conduct, noting that Trump in his private remarks was concerned about the effect of Russian interference and his perceived legitimacy.