Susan Collins Denies Probe Report

Sen. Susan Collins denied ProPublica’s report that the FBI investigated whether she was tied to an alleged pay-to-play scheme involving Navatek campaign donations and defense contracts. ProPublica said indicted Navatek CEO Martin Kao later cooperated with investigators, which helped broaden the inquiry. The report landed during Collins’s competitive Maine reelection race, about six weeks before Election Day, with Senate control at stake. Collins called the story “absolutely outrageous” and a “political hit job.” Her campaign and FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson said the matter was investigated years ago and resolved in 2021. Maine Democrats demanded answers. The unresolved issue is whether a 2024 FBI inquiry existed and was later shut down.