The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Sept. 25, 2026
Written & Produced by:
September 24, 2026 12:07 pmPORTLAND, ME –Nonprofit investigative news outlet ProPublica is reporting a previously unknown 2024 FBI investigation involving a super PAC associated with U.S. Senator Susan Collins, and possibly Collins herself. The ‘pay-to-play’ allegations involve a federal contractor and donor to the Collins’ PAC.
In addition to interviewing current and former employees of Navatek, a Hawaii defense contractor, ProPublica obtained records and emails corroborating much of the FBI investigation. In 2022 and 2024, the FBI extensively interviewed a now former CEO of the company, Martin Kao. He claims he met with a staffer associated with a super-PAC tied to Collins, who allegedly offered to use his influence with Collins to steer contracts to Navatek in exchange for a $500,000 contribution. Senator Collins strenuously denies the claims.
After President Donald Trump took office for his second term, the U.S. Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section was cut from 35 lawyers to 5. Among those dismissed were case’s investigators, shelving the investigation. Kao was sentenced in 2025 to 87 months on unrelated covid-relief and bank fraud charges, but no corruption charges have ever been brought for either party.
ProPublica’s reporting suggests the case may reach far beyond Senator Collins.
We’ve linked to the full ProPublica report at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources
ProPublica – The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins — Until Trump Got in the Way
WMTW – Sen. Susan Collins’ staff denies corruption allegations made in ProPublica report
New York Times – (Paywall) F.B.I. Shut Down Inquiry Into Top Ally of Senator Susan Collins
Maine Morning Star – ProPublica debunks Susan Collins’ claims about FBI anti-corruption probe
U.S. Department of Justice – Former Hawaii CEO Sentenced to 87 Months Imprisonment on Covid-Relief Fraud and Bank Fraud
NBC News – Firings, pardons and policy changes have gutted DOJ anti-corruption efforts, experts say
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – What Corruption? Trump Pardons Former KY State Senator for Campaign Finance Fraud, and May Be Preparing to Dismantle DOJ Public Integrity Section
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky Social, and SHARE!
Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org
Subscribe for FREE at Apple Podcasts, Spotify and most podcasting platforms.
#News #Democracy #DemocracyNews #SenSusanCollins #Maine #PoliticalCorruption #ProPublica