Trump Endorses Maine Senator Susan Collins for Reelection Amid Tight Senate Race

Former President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Republican Sen. Susan Collins for a sixth term in the Maine Senate race, describing her as a “sane woman” despite a history of public disagreements. The endorsement was delivered at a White House event and included sharp criticism of Collins’s Democratic opponent, combat veteran and oyster farmer Graham Platell, whom Trump called a “thug” and “phony.”

Collins, who has a record of more than 10,000 consecutive Senate votes and claims to have returned over $1.5 billion in federal funding to Maine, is positioned as a moderate Republican capable of winning statewide in a state that leans Democratic in presidential elections. Her campaign emphasizes her bipartisan record and independence from Trump on key votes.

Platell’s campaign is marred by personal controversies, including past inflammatory statements and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, which Collins’s supporters argue make him unsuitable for office. Republicans view the Maine seat as crucial for maintaining control of the U.S. Senate, which Democrats need to flip four seats to take the majority. Trump’s backing is seen as a strategic move to help secure that objective.