PORTLAND, Maine (Diya TV) — U.S. Sen. Susan Collins denied allegations that she or her political allies exchanged government contracts for campaign contributions from a Hawaii defense contractor.
ProPublica reported Tuesday that FBI agents sought to investigate Collins’ relationship with Navatek, its former CEO Martin Kao and a super PAC supporting her. The inquiry examined whether political contributions influenced federal funding decisions involving the company.
Collins called the allegations “absolutely outrageous” and said neither she nor her staff participated in a pay-to-play arrangement. Her campaign manager, Steve Abbott, said Collins never accepted campaign money in exchange for contracts or charged donors for access.
An FBI spokesperson said the bureau previously investigated allegations involving Collins and “ultimately found nothing implicating Senator Collins or Senator Collins’ campaign.” No one associated with Collins has been charged in the case.
ProPublica reported that the FBI continued reviewing Kao’s claims and Navatek records through 2024 and into early 2025. The outlet said the investigation ended after several agents and Justice Department lawyers involved in public corruption cases left or lost their positions under the Trump administration.
The allegations center on a 2019 meeting between Kao and Scott Reed, who chaired the pro-Collins 1820 PAC. ProPublica reported that the PAC sought a $500,000 contribution from Navatek executives. Kao later directed a $150,000 donation to the PAC through a shell company.
Kao told investigators that Navatek expected Collins to help the company secure additional Navy funding in exchange for its political support. ProPublica cited an internal company email in which Kao claimed Collins had committed to helping Navatek obtain $32 million in contracts. Collins and Reed denied that such an agreement existed.
Kao pleaded guilty in federal cases involving illegal campaign contributions and financial fraud. A federal judge sentenced him to 87 months in prison. Collins’ representatives questioned his credibility, noting that he began providing information while seeking a reduced sentence.
ProPublica said it reviewed FBI records, company emails and court documents that supported parts of Kao’s account. However, the court did not reduce his sentence based on his cooperation.
The report has become an issue in Collins’ reelection campaign against Democratic nominee Troy Jackson. Jackson called the allegations serious and demanded further answers. Maine Democrats also held a news conference near Collins’ Portland office Wednesday.
Collins is seeking a sixth Senate term in November. She has not been charged with a crime and continues to deny any wrongdoing.
