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Vice President JD Vance’s glowing praise of Sen. Susan Collins illuminates her enormous value to the Trump administration. While visiting Bangor, Vance called Collins his “friend” and claimed she’s doing a “great job.” I find this of note as Vance infamously attacks those not forwarding President Donald Trump’s agenda.
Vance has taken swipes at Pope Leo XIV for criticizing Trump’s war in Iran, falsely labeled Alex Pretti, the innocent nurse killed by ICE, an “assassin,” and even trumpeted dehumanizing gutter racist lies about immigrants eating pets. Yet Collins is Vance’s “friend.” The contrast is stark.
Whether it’s Collins’ vote for Brett Kavanaugh resulting in Roe v. Wade being overturned or her votes to increase ICE’s paramilitary budget, Collins remains essential to Trump’s ambitions it seems.
I appreciate Vance telling Mainers about his cozy friendship with Collins. In my personal view, it appears that in 2026 a vote for Collins is a vote for the Trump administration.
Aaron Bergeron
Portland