Story perspectives

ProPublica Report Alleges Susan Collins Pay-to-Play Scheme with Navatek

By Drooid · Sep 23, 2026, 12:08 AM UTC · How we work

Left

Trump Dismantled FBI

ProPublica released a September 22, 2026 report alleging Senator Susan Collins participated in a scheme with Navatek CEO Martin Kao.
The report links the diversion of taxpayer funds to President Donald Trump’s dismantling of FBI’s anti-corruption unit, which it says shielded the scheme.
Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson called the alleged scheme ‘corruption of the highest order.’
The FBI stopped probe after Trump dismantled corruption unit, leading to Kao’s 87-month sentence in 2025.

Right

Collins Denies Investigation

ProPublica published a report on Sept. 22, 2026 alleging Sen. Susan Collins was involved in a pay-to-play scheme with Navatek CEO Martin Kao.
Collins’ office called the allegations false and said the FBI never investigated her, while highlighting Kao’s conviction for money-laundering and bank fraud.
Annie Clark, Collins’ deputy chief of staff, said the campaign was never an FBI target.
Democratic rival Troy Jackson accused Collins of corruption.

History

Historical Context

The 1972 Watergate break-in and Nixon’s August 9 1974 resignation spurred the Senate Watergate Committee’s televised hearings and a 1,094-page final report, prompting reforms such as the Ethics in Government Act. The 2026 ProPublica investigation alleges Senator Susan Collins and Navatek CEO Martin Kao exploited a weakened FBI anti-corruption unit, reviving fears of the oversight failures first exposed by Watergate.

1 of 3

Trump Dismantled FBI

ProPublica released a September 22, 2026 report alleging Senator Susan Collins participated in a scheme with Navatek CEO Martin Kao.
The report links the diversion of taxpayer funds to President Donald Trump’s dismantling of FBI’s anti-corruption unit, which it says shielded the scheme.
Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson called the alleged scheme ‘corruption of the highest order.’
The FBI stopped probe after Trump dismantled corruption unit, leading to Kao’s 87-month sentence in 2025.

1 / 3