ProPublica Report Alleges Collins Linked to Pay-for-Play Scheme, FBI Closed Probe
Investigative report claims FBI shut down investigation into illegal donations to Collins' 2020 campaign in exchange for federal contracts.
KEY POINTS
- ProPublica alleges FBI shut down probe into pay-for-play scheme involving Sen. Susan Collins and contractor Navatek.
- Navatek CEO Martin Kao pleaded guilty to illegal donations, including $150,000 to pro-Collins PAC via shell company.
- Internal emails suggest Kao believed Collins promised $32 million in naval contracts in return.
- New York Times confirms probe closed but says FBI doubted Kao's credibility; ProPublica alleges political interference.
- Collins campaign denies knowledge; Maine Democrats call report a 'bombshell' ahead of tight 2026 race.
ProPublica reported Tuesday that the FBI closed an investigation into an alleged pay-for-play scheme involving Senator Susan Collins and Hawaiian defense contractor Navatek. The scheme allegedly involved nearly $1 million in illegal donations to dozens of lawmakers in exchange for federal contracts.
Navatek CEO Martin Kao pleaded guilty to making illegal contributions, including a $150,000 donation to a pro-Collins super PAC through a shell company in 2019. Internal emails reviewed by ProPublica indicate Kao believed Collins committed to securing $32 million in naval contracts for the company.
“This type of viral social media story is certainly not what you want.”
The New York Times confirmed the FBI investigation was closed but reported that FBI leadership did not find Kao credible. ProPublica suggested the probe was scuttled as part of the Trump administration's overhaul of the Justice Department.
Collins' campaign denies any wrongdoing, stating they had no knowledge of the allegations against Kao. Scott Reed, head of the pro-Collins super PAC, is currently leading Pine Tree Results, which has reserved $28 million in advertising for her 2026 re-election bid.
The Maine Democratic Party scheduled a news conference Wednesday calling the report a "bombshell." A Maine Republican operative acknowledged the story is a meaningful hit on Collins' integrity, while consultant Lance Dutson argued it was "completely bananas" to risk prison for relatively small donations.
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