BANGOR, Maine — Vice President JD Vance visited Maine on Thursday as part of his fraud-fighting tour, aiming to portray President Donald Trump and Republicans as careful managers of American taxpayers’ money in a crucial swing district.
The event allowed Vance, a key communicator for the administration, to energize the MAGA base. He criticized Maine Democratic Governor Janet Mills, attributing an increase in fraud to her and former President Joe Biden. Vance claimed that Maine ranks third in the nation for fraud, behind only Minnesota and California.
“Thankfully, one of them has already been kicked to the curb and one is on her way out the door,” Vance stated, addressing the audience from a hangar at Bangor airport, near Air Force Two.
Despite not being directly addressed in the speech, Vance’s remarks were overshadowed by the public’s growing frustration as Trump’s conflict with Iran drives inflation to a three-year peak, amid the White House’s push for an unprecedented $1.5 trillion in Pentagon funding.
Gontran Jean, an attendee, expressed dissatisfaction to POLITICO about the rising prices due to the war, but noted, “we don’t really have a choice.” He also mentioned his support for Vance if he runs for president in 2028.
During his visit, Vance extended an olive branch to Maine GOP Senator Susan Collins, a frequent critic of Trump who recently voted with Democrats to limit Trump’s war powers. In January, Trump criticized Collins and other Republicans for siding with Democrats against his Venezuela actions, suggesting they “should never be elected to office again.”
Collins did not attend Vance’s event, citing her commitment to Senate votes, but Vance was unperturbed and even praised the senator.
“Here’s the thing I’ll say about Susan Collins, is sometimes I get frustrated with Susan Collins, I almost wish that she was more partisan,” Vance remarked. “But the thing I love about Susan is she is independent, because Maine is an independent state. And frankly, if she was as partisan as I sometimes wish that she was, she would not be a good fit for the people of Maine.”
This reflects Vance’s ongoing effort to balance Trump’s tendencies with the political landscape. Collins is facing a competitive election against Democratic candidate Graham Platner, which could influence Senate control.
Vance’s visit to Maine is part of a series of trips to significant states, such as Iowa, Michigan, North Carolina, and Arizona, as he considers a potential 2028 presidential run. However, he insists his focus remains on current responsibilities, not future ambitions.
Bangor is located in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, which favored Trump by over 9 points in 2024 but has been represented by Democratic Rep. Jared Golden since 2019. Golden has announced he will not seek reelection, prompting a competitive Democratic primary and providing Republicans a chance to reclaim the seat despite challenges.
Vance acknowledged Paul LePage, the former Republican governor of Maine and the district’s leading candidate, using the occasion to emphasize his anti-fraud message.
The vice president described LePage as “the biggest advocate for your tax dollars and the biggest threat to fraudsters that ever existed in the state of Maine.” According to Vance, “fraud has festered in Maine because this guy is no longer the governor.” Before Vance spoke, LePage promised a renewed commitment to tackling fraud, which was met with enthusiasm from the audience.
“Let’s kick Janet Mills to the curb, and let’s send Paul LePage to Washington,” Vance declared.
