Republicans need Susan Collins to win reelection. Trump keeps going after her.

Trump’s Rebuke of Collins: A Political Chess Game in Maine

In a move reminiscent of a dramatic political soap opera, Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Thursday to declare that Susan Collins, a Republican senator vital to her party’s Senate aspirations, should “never be elected to office again.” This is not the first time the Maine senator has found herself in Trump’s crosshairs, but the stakes now seem particularly high.

Collins, along with four other Republican senators, voted with Democrats to limit Trump’s authority to unilaterally conduct military operations against Venezuela, a rebuke to the administration’s approach following Nicolás Maduro’s capture. This dissent has spurred Trump’s ire, highlighting the precarious balancing act Collins must perform as she seeks reelection in a state that Trump lost by 7 points in 2024.

With the political landscape shifting beneath her, Collins’ reelection bid hinges on attracting a diverse coalition of independents and Democrats—voters who have historically appreciated her willingness to break from Trump and mainstream GOP leadership. However, to ensure a robust turnout, she also needs to engage Trump’s loyal MAGA base, a task made all the more complicated by the ongoing feud.

In a sardonic twist, Collins remarked that Trump probably prefers a challenger more aligned with his views than her, alluding to the rocky relationship between Trump and Maine Governor Janet Mills. Mills is now actively campaigning against Collins, promising to challenge Trump’s agenda head-on.

Democrats, meanwhile, are reveling in Trump’s condemnation of Collins, as her defeat is crucial to their hopes of flipping the Senate. Mills characterized Collins’ recent vote as politically expedient, stating, “Susan never does the right or hard thing the first time when it’s needed most—only when it serves her politically. She is always a day late and a dollar short.” Such critiques underline the tense atmosphere as Collins navigates her complex political terrain.

Despite Trump’s outburst, there is currently no sign that the White House plans to field a primary challenger against Collins. A source close to Trump acknowledged that while they believe Republicans will maintain control of the Senate regardless of Collins’ fate, the president’s remarks are often fleeting. “Like a lot with the president, this is a moment in time, and what is said today does not necessarily hold for tomorrow,” they remarked.

Collins has a history of surviving Trump’s criticisms; during her last reelection campaign in 2020, she managed to secure victory even after facing backlash from the president. “Trump has caused no end of problems for Sen. Collins,” noted Mary Small, a Republican ally, suggesting that without Trump’s shadow looming over her, Collins’ approval ratings might be significantly higher.

However, the dynamics may shift in the upcoming election. As Collins contemplates her future, independents and Democrats who appreciate her independent streak could counterbalance any backlash from Trump loyalists. Yet, navigating this intricate web of political allegiance is no easy feat, as evidenced by Mike Coffman, a former GOP congressman, who lost his own bid after attempting to distance himself from Trump.

In her tenure, Collins has not shied away from breaking ranks with party lines, notably during the failed Affordable Care Act repeal. Yet, the question remains whether these past votes will be enough to secure her a win in a midterm election where Trump’s approval ratings are significantly low. Recent polling indicates that Collins is not faring much better, tied with both Mills and Democratic challenger Graham Platner in hypothetical matchups.

As the 2026 elections loom, Collins finds herself in uncharted territory, having not faced a midterm with a Republican president since 2002. The political landscape is shifting, and while Trump’s criticisms may galvanize some voters to support her, the outcome remains uncertain. Former GOP Sen. Mark Kirk believes that Collins’ longstanding popularity may ultimately outweigh Trump’s attacks, suggesting that some voters might rally behind her simply to oppose the former president.

As the political drama unfolds, all eyes will remain on Collins, who must not only safeguard her seat but also navigate the tumultuous waters of political loyalty and public opinion. With the stakes this high, it’s clear that the battle for Maine’s Senate seat is far from over.

Alex Gangitano contributed reporting to this report.