Did Susan Collins Trade Federal Contract Support for Navatek Campaign Donations?
Martin Kao alleged that Susan Collins knowingly linked Navatek campaign support to federal-contract assistance. Collins's office and other participants deny a quid pro quo, while official records establish separate illegal contributions by Navatek-linked actors.
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
Navatek and its executives pursued federal research funding while donating to Susan Collins's campaign and to 1820 PAC, an independent committee supporting her 2020 reelection. Federal records later established that Navatek money had been routed through a shell company and reimbursed contributors in violation of campaign-finance law. Kao subsequently told FBI agents that donations were part of a broader pay-to-play method and alleged that Collins understood the exchange. ProPublica reported emails and internal records consistent with portions of his account. Collins's deputy chief of staff called the allegations categorically false and outlandish; an FBI spokesperson said an earlier investigation found nothing implicating Collins or her campaign. Scott Reed, Glen Mandigo and Andy Winer also denied communications, advice, knowledge or participation that would establish a contribution-for-official-action agreement. Kao was seeking sentencing consideration when he cooperated, and no one working for Collins was charged. The dispute is whether Collins knowingly participated in an exchange, not whether Navatek-linked illegal contributions occurred.
People in this case
Susan CollinsDirectly involved
Timeline
19 timeline entries on this page. Dates: August 6, 2019 to October 20, 2026
August 2019
Collins joins announcement of an $8 million Navy contract for Navatek
Incident
Susan Collins appeared with Martin Kao at Navatek's Portland office as the company announced an $8 million Navy research contract. Collins said she had strongly advocated for the funding; the later dispute concerns whether campaign support was knowingly tied to contract assistance.
[01]The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins — Until Trump Got in the Way
Source excerpt
Kao told FBI agents and prosecutors that Navatek used campaign support to obtain government funding and that Collins was a willing participant; Collins's office, Reed, lobbyists and the FBI disputed material parts of that account.
Anchor investigation reporting previously undisclosed FBI cooperation interviews, internal company emails, campaign and lobbying communications, and responses from Collins's office, the FBI, Scott Reed, Glen Mandigo, Andy Winer and Steven Loui. The article says Kao had credibility incentives and that no one working for Collins was charged.
The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins — Until Trump Got in the WayReporting Highlights; opening account of the Corner Bakery meeting; sections “Kao to Collins: ‘Here to Help’” and “Downfall, Cover-up”
December 2019
Navatek-funded shell company contributes $150,000 to 1820 PAC
Incident
The Society of Young Women Scientist and Engineers, an entity funded by Navatek and controlled by Martin Kao, contributed $150,000 to the pro-Collins 1820 PAC. Federal proceedings later established that the contribution unlawfully concealed its true source.
[02]Federal Election Commission Matter Under Review 7690
Source excerpt
The docket documents the complaint, investigation and $325,000 conciliation agreement concerning PacMar Technologies' use of a shell company to fund a $150,000 contribution to 1820 PAC.
Official administrative record for the donor-side campaign-finance violations. It establishes Navatek/PacMar's unlawful funding and concealment of the contribution but does not establish that Susan Collins knowingly participated in a quid pro quo.
Federal Election Commission Matter Under Review 7690Matter Under Review 7690; complaint, responses, general counsel reports, conciliation agreement and final disposition[03]Indictment of Martin Kao, Clifford Chen and Lawrence Lum Kee for unlawful campaign contributions
Source excerpt
The indictment alleges that executives used Navatek funds, a shell company and reimbursed contributors to make prohibited contributions benefiting a federal candidate committee and political committee.
Federal charging document for the straw-donor, conduit-contribution and government-contractor contribution scheme. The document does not charge Collins, her staff, Collins for Senator or 1820 PAC personnel with bribery.
Indictment of Martin Kao, Clifford Chen and Lawrence Lum Kee for unlawful campaign contributionsUnited States v. Kao, Chen and Lum Kee, D.D.C., indictment, pages 4–15
May 2021
Axios reports an FBI investigation into Navatek-linked contributions
Source release
Axios reported that an FBI search-warrant application described a suspected scheme involving Navatek-linked donations benefiting Susan Collins's campaign and 1820 PAC. Collins's campaign said it had no knowledge of the alleged conduct.
[04]Axios
Source excerpt
“The Collins for Senator Campaign had absolutely no knowledge of anything alleged in the warrant.”
Contemporaneous reporting on the initial FBI investigation and unsealed search-warrant application. Axios reported there was no indication at that time that Collins or her team knew of the illegal donation scheme.
Feds investigating alleged illegal donations to Collins’ re-election bid · AxiosOpening section, “What’s happening” and “What they’re saying”
February 2022
Federal grand jury indicts Kao and two former Navatek executives
Incident
A federal grand jury charged Martin Kao, Clifford Chen and Lawrence Lum Kee in a conduit-contribution scheme involving money reimbursed by Navatek. No one working for Susan Collins was charged.
[03]Indictment of Martin Kao, Clifford Chen and Lawrence Lum Kee for unlawful campaign contributions
Source excerpt
The indictment alleges that executives used Navatek funds, a shell company and reimbursed contributors to make prohibited contributions benefiting a federal candidate committee and political committee.
Federal charging document for the straw-donor, conduit-contribution and government-contractor contribution scheme. The document does not charge Collins, her staff, Collins for Senator or 1820 PAC personnel with bribery.
Indictment of Martin Kao, Clifford Chen and Lawrence Lum Kee for unlawful campaign contributionsUnited States v. Kao, Chen and Lum Kee, D.D.C., indictment, pages 4–15
September 2022
Martin Kao pleads guilty to campaign-finance offenses
Martin Kao pleaded guilty to conspiracy, unlawful contributions and false submissions to the FEC. The plea concerned his conduct, not a finding that Collins knowingly traded official action for donations.
[05]Former Government Contractor Executive Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Campaign Contributions
Martin Kao pleaded guilty to conspiracy, unlawful contributions and false submissions to the FEC. The plea concerned his conduct, not a finding that Collins knowingly traded official action for donations.
Former Government Contractor Executive Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Campaign ContributionsSeptember 27, 2022 release, first two paragraphs
April 2023
Chen and Lum Kee plead guilty to conduit contributions
Clifford Chen and Lawrence Lum Kee pleaded guilty to making contributions through other people's names. The FEC's later report identifies Collins's campaign as the recipient.
[06]FEC factual and legal analysis, MUR 7690
Clifford Chen and Lawrence Lum Kee pleaded guilty to making contributions through other people's names. The FEC's later report identifies Collins's campaign as the recipient. Judgments dated August 29 recorded 12 months of probation and $5,000 fines for each executive. These penalties concerned the contribution offenses, not a conviction of Collins.
FEC factual and legal analysis, MUR 7690Report page 4, footnotes 6 and 8 identifying April 24 plea agreements and statements of offense; Report page 5, text and footnote 10 identifying the two August 29 judgments
August 2023
Judgments record probation and fines for Chen and Lum Kee
Judgments dated August 29 recorded 12 months of probation and $5,000 fines for each executive. These penalties concerned the contribution offenses, not a conviction of Collins.
[06]FEC factual and legal analysis, MUR 7690
Clifford Chen and Lawrence Lum Kee pleaded guilty to making contributions through other people's names. The FEC's later report identifies Collins's campaign as the recipient. Judgments dated August 29 recorded 12 months of probation and $5,000 fines for each executive. These penalties concerned the contribution offenses, not a conviction of Collins.
FEC factual and legal analysis, MUR 7690Report page 4, footnotes 6 and 8 identifying April 24 plea agreements and statements of offense; Report page 5, text and footnote 10 identifying the two August 29 judgments
February 2025
FEC resolves the Navatek campaign-finance matter
Incident
The Federal Election Commission approved a conciliation agreement with PacMar Technologies, formerly Navatek, over prohibited contractor contributions and contributions made in the names of others. The company agreed to a $325,000 civil penalty.
[02]Federal Election Commission Matter Under Review 7690
Source excerpt
The docket documents the complaint, investigation and $325,000 conciliation agreement concerning PacMar Technologies' use of a shell company to fund a $150,000 contribution to 1820 PAC.
Official administrative record for the donor-side campaign-finance violations. It establishes Navatek/PacMar's unlawful funding and concealment of the contribution but does not establish that Susan Collins knowingly participated in a quid pro quo.
Federal Election Commission Matter Under Review 7690Matter Under Review 7690; complaint, responses, general counsel reports, conciliation agreement and final disposition[07]Major Victory: CLC Complaint Delivers Rare Accountability for Maine Voters
Source excerpt
“Collins had previously supported Navatek’s contract work with the government (the complaint did not allege involvement by Collins or her campaign).”
Campaign Legal Center account of the FEC matter and resulting PacMar penalty. It is useful for distinguishing the established campaign-finance violations from the later allegation that Collins knowingly participated.
Major Victory: CLC Complaint Delivers Rare Accountability for Maine VotersDiscussion of the 2020 complaint, FEC disposition and Collins limitation
October 2025
Kao receives a concurrent 33-month campaign-finance sentence
Judge Carl Nichols sentences Martin Kao to 33 months for the campaign-finance case. The written judgment says the term runs concurrently with his District of Hawaii sentence. It records conspiracy, conduit-contribution and false-statement offenses.
[08]Judgment records Kao campaign-finance sentence
The judgment records a 33-month sentence imposed October 20, 2025, concurrent with the District of Hawaii case. It concerns Kao, not a finding that Collins committed an offense.
Judgment records Kao campaign-finance sentenceDocument 101, pages 1-3: imposition date, offenses and imprisonment
September 2026
ProPublica publishes Kao's allegations and the competing denials
Source release
ProPublica reported that Martin Kao told investigators Collins and people around her knowingly participated in a pay-to-play arrangement. Collins's office, an FBI spokesperson and several participants disputed the account, while Maine Senate candidate Troy Jackson called for answers.
[01]The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins — Until Trump Got in the Way
Source excerpt
Kao told FBI agents and prosecutors that Navatek used campaign support to obtain government funding and that Collins was a willing participant; Collins's office, Reed, lobbyists and the FBI disputed material parts of that account.
Anchor investigation reporting previously undisclosed FBI cooperation interviews, internal company emails, campaign and lobbying communications, and responses from Collins's office, the FBI, Scott Reed, Glen Mandigo, Andy Winer and Steven Loui. The article says Kao had credibility incentives and that no one working for Collins was charged.
The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins — Until Trump Got in the WayReporting Highlights; opening account of the Corner Bakery meeting; sections “Kao to Collins: ‘Here to Help’” and “Downfall, Cover-up”[09]Annie Clark denies the Navatek pay-to-play allegations against Susan Collins
Source excerpt
“The seven-year-old allegations made against Senator Collins and her staff in this piece are categorically false.”
Primary statement from Collins's deputy chief of staff responding to the ProPublica report. Clark disputes the allegations, attacks Kao's credibility, describes the campaign's cooperation with investigators and says the FBI has not contacted the office about Kao since 2021.
Annie Clark denies the Navatek pay-to-play allegations against Susan CollinsX post 2102418037857022067[10]Troy Jackson calls the reported Collins–Navatek arrangement corruption
Source excerpt
“This is corruption of the highest order.”
Primary statement from Collins's Democratic Senate opponent reacting to the ProPublica investigation and demanding answers about contracts and conversations involving Collins's team.
Troy Jackson calls the reported Collins–Navatek arrangement corruptionX post 2102440681662710002New York Times reports officials doubted Kao's account
The New York Times, citing current and former officials, reports that the FBI closed its inquiry in 2025 because senior bureau officials questioned the veracity of Kao's account and agents found little to corroborate his claims. The officials acknowledged more could have surfaced had the investigation continued. ProPublica reported that agents had enough evidence by late 2024 to pursue a broad bribery probe.
[11]The New York Times: FBI Shut Down Inquiry Into Top Ally of Sen. Susan Collins
New York Times report, read in GV Wire's syndicated copy, citing current and former officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. It says the FBI closed the inquiry in 2025 because senior officials questioned Martin Kao's account, while acknowledging more could have surfaced had the investigation continued. ProPublica's account of the same closing differs.
The New York Times: FBI Shut Down Inquiry Into Top Ally of Sen. Susan CollinsOpening paragraphs on the inquiry's closing and officials' account of the evidence.Collins campaign manager Abbott rejects allegations at a press conference
Reaction
At a September 23 press conference recorded by C-SPAN, Collins campaign manager Steve Abbott called the allegations concerning Collins, her campaign, and its staff false and “outrageous.” He argued that federal investigators and the FEC had found no basis to charge the campaign. The event records the campaign’s response and does not resolve the allegations.
[12]C-SPAN
Source excerpt
I not only [say they are] false, I would say outrageous.
C-SPAN’s full recording of a September 23 Portland press conference by Steve Abbott, Sen. Susan Collins’s campaign manager. It records Abbott’s defense of Collins, her campaign, and its staff; it does not establish whether the underlying allegations are true. C-SPAN notes that the transcript is compiled from uncorrected closed captioning.
Sen. Susan Collins campaign manager Steve Abbott responds to corruption allegations · C-SPANFull 30:37 C-SPAN recording; Abbott’s opening statement begins at 00:00:02 and his answer calling the allegations false begins at approximately 14:00ProPublica publishes a follow-up on Collins's account of FBI inquiries
Source release
In a September 23 follow-up, ProPublica said the earlier FBI inquiry referenced by Collins did not implicate her or her campaign, while the later review described in the outlet's previous report relied on claims made by former Navatek CEO Martin Kao between 2022 and 2024. The account is ProPublica's reporting and does not establish a legal finding about Collins or her campaign.
[13]ProPublica
Source excerpt
The investigation at the center of ProPublica's story was based on claims Kao made between 2022 through 2024.
ProPublica's follow-up responds to statements by Collins and aides about an earlier FBI inquiry. It distinguishes that inquiry from a later review described in ProPublica's September 22 report. The article contains ProPublica's reporting and interpretations; it does not itself establish a legal finding about Collins or her campaign.
Susan Collins dismissed our reporting as old news. Some of her claims aren't true. · ProPublicaParagraphs beginning 'The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad' and 'An FBI spokesperson told ProPublica'Maine veterans call for disclosure of Collins's Navatek communications
Reaction
Maine Veterans Alliance members gathered at Davenport Park in Bangor and called on Susan Collins to release communications involving her Senate office, campaign, 1820 PAC and Navatek. Participants also called for restoration of the FBI's public corruption unit. Beacon, which shares the group's Maine People's Alliance affiliation, reported their demands.
[14]Maine veterans demand Collins release Navatek communications
Beacon reports on a rally by the Maine Veterans Alliance, a project of the Maine People's Alliance. Beacon is also a Maine People's Alliance project. Participants called for disclosure of Collins's communications with Navatek and for restoration of the FBI's public corruption unit. Their demands do not establish the alleged exchange of donations for contracts.
Maine veterans demand Collins release Navatek communicationsSeptember 28 Davenport Park rally; paragraphs describing the Maine Veterans Alliance demands and the statements by Jason Tkacs and Melinda Swayne.WinSenate uploads an ad alleging Collins exchanged donations for contracts
Reaction
WinSenate uploaded a 30-second ad alleging that Susan Collins took illegal campaign contributions and directed government contracts to the donor. The ad also says the Trump administration ended the investigation. The upload documents the campaign's allegations; it does not establish that Collins agreed to exchange official action for donations.
[15]WinSenate uploads ProPublica Collins campaign ad
Source excerpt
Susan Collins took illegal campaign money and steered millions in government contracts to the donor
The WinSenate upload presents a campaign ad that attributes a donation-for-contracts allegation to Susan Collins and says the Trump administration ended the investigation. These are the ad's assertions, not findings established by the video. The displayed upload date is September 30; it does not establish when television broadcasts began.
WinSenate uploads ProPublica Collins campaign adVideo titled ProPublica Collins, uploaded September 30, 2026; 0:00-0:30, with the ad's central allegation at 0:08-0:17 and its closing assertion at 0:21-0:25.
October 2026
Campaign-finance experts discuss the laws and proof behind the Navatek allegations
Source release
In interviews with the Press Herald, Erin Chlopak describes existing contractor-donation and bribery laws as clear, while Eric Petry explains the difficulty of proving a quid pro quo. They discuss enforcement and possible reforms without establishing that Collins committed bribery.
[16]Portland Press Herald: The laws tied to the Collins-Navatek allegations are 'crystal clear.' Enforcing them is another matter.
Press Herald explainer on the campaign-finance and contracting laws tied to the Navatek allegations. It includes the Collins campaign's answer, through spokesperson Blake Kernen, to whether Collins called Martin Kao to thank him for the shell-company donation that ProPublica reported, and comments from campaign-finance experts.
Portland Press Herald: The laws tied to the Collins-Navatek allegations are 'crystal clear.' Enforcing them is another matter.Campaign-finance expert interviews; sections on bribery proof and contractor-donation rulesCollins campaign releases records and a photo to dispute the pay-to-play account
Reaction
The Collins campaign provides public records showing that Collins supported a joint University of Maine and Navatek project at the university's request as early as 2017, and a photo of her meeting Kao in her office months before any donation. In a televised debate that evening, Collins says she began working with Navatek in 2017, the year before she received any donations from Kao. Maine Democrats say they still believe the paper trail points to a pay-to-play scheme.
[17]Collins campaign claims public records show that she was not involved in bribery scheme
WGME report on the Collins campaign's release of 2017 records and a photo of Collins meeting Kao, with a response from Maine Democrats.
[18]Portland Press Herald
Press Herald report on Valerie Adams's Senate ethics complaint against Collins and the Collins campaign's response.
Democrat files ethics complaint against Susan Collins over alleged pay-to-play scheme · Portland Press HeraldMaine attorney files a Senate ethics complaint against Collins over the Navatek allegations
Valerie Adams, a former Democratic candidate for Cumberland County district attorney, asks the Senate Select Committee on Ethics to investigate whether Collins steered contracts to Navatek in exchange for political donations, knowingly accepted contributions made in another person's name, or worked with Trump to stop the investigation. Collins campaign spokesperson Blake Kernen calls the complaint pathetic and says a failed Democratic candidate is repeating false charges. The Press Herald reports that most such complaints are dismissed.
[18]Portland Press Herald
Press Herald report on Valerie Adams's Senate ethics complaint against Collins and the Collins campaign's response.
Democrat files ethics complaint against Susan Collins over alleged pay-to-play scheme · Portland Press HeraldProPublica reports Kao told the FBI Navatek targeted small-state appropriators like Collins
Source release
In the second story of a series on the FBI's Navatek inquiry, ProPublica reports that Kao told agents his business model consisted of bribing public officials in exchange for government contracts and that Navatek primarily targeted lawmakers from smaller states on appropriations committees, such as Collins. The story centers on Kao's allegations about the late Sen. Lindsey Graham and Reps. James Clyburn and Joe Wilson. Graham's and Clyburn's offices reject the allegations, Wilson's office says he follows federal campaign donation rules, and Collins has denied wrongdoing. ProPublica reports that the investigation went dark after the agents on it were fired or pushed out of the FBI; an FBI spokesperson calls Kao's claims "half baked" and "misleading".
[19]ProPublica
Second ProPublica story in a series on the FBI's Navatek inquiry, reporting Martin Kao's account to FBI agents of cash-for-contracts deals with South Carolina lawmakers and the company's targeting of small-state appropriators.
Claims
Claims separate what was said from what is contested. Follow each source for the original wording and context.
What's disputed
Disputed claim
Susan Collins knowingly participated in a pay-to-play arrangement in which Navatek campaign support was exchanged for her office's assistance obtaining federal contracts.
Sources (1)
- The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins — Until Trump Got in the WayReporting Highlights; opening account of the Corner Bakery meeting; sections “Kao to Collins: ‘Here to Help’” and “Downfall, Cover-up”
Disputed claim
The allegations that Susan Collins or her staff engaged in extortion, pay-to-play or bribery involving Navatek are categorically false.
Sources (3)
- Annie Clark denies the Navatek pay-to-play allegations against Susan CollinsX post 2102418037857022067
- The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins — Until Trump Got in the WayReporting Highlights; opening account of the Corner Bakery meeting; sections “Kao to Collins: ‘Here to Help’” and “Downfall, Cover-up”
- Feds investigating alleged illegal donations to Collins’ re-election bid · AxiosOpening section, “What’s happening” and “What they’re saying”
Disputed claim
Federal Bureau of Investigation
The FBI's earlier investigation found nothing implicating Susan Collins or her campaign.
Sources (1)
- The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins — Until Trump Got in the WayReporting Highlights; opening account of the Corner Bakery meeting; sections “Kao to Collins: ‘Here to Help’” and “Downfall, Cover-up”
Response record
Responses
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
3 matching responses. Newest first.
Susan CollinsU.S. senator from Maine and Republican candidate for reelectionDirectly involvedBefore this statement
A reporter asks Collins about an ethics complaint filed the previous week by a Maine attorney. Collins says the allegations were recycled from 2020 and had been rejected by the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Federal Election Commission.
"The allegations are completely false ... We have a picture of his meeting with me and with other people in my office that is many months before he ever made a single contribution ... He spun this story up again in the hopes that the judge would be lenient, or the prosecutor would be."
DeniedCase context: Did Susan Collins Trade Federal Contract Support for Navatek Campaign Donations?
Full statement and sources
Asked about the Senate ethics complaint, Collins says the allegations are completely false and were rejected by the Justice Department, the FBI and the Federal Election Commission. She says a photo shows Kao met her months before he made any contribution and that he revived the story hoping for leniency.
After the statement
Pressed on why she would not welcome an ethics inquiry to clear her name, Collins says it is not up to her, attributes the complaint to partisan Democrats and a lawyer who lost her primary, and says she was never interviewed because there was no evidence.
Why this label?
The case asks whether Collins traded support for Navatek's federal contracts for campaign donations. Collins rejects the allegation outright and disputes the account's timeline, so we used the denies label.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Susan CollinsRepublican U.S. senator from Maine, through campaign spokesperson Blake KernenDirectly involved
Before this statement
The Press Herald asked whether Collins herself would comment on whether she called Kao. Campaign spokesperson Blake Kernen said it "does not appear in any of our records that this call was made."
"Neither Susan Collins nor anyone who worked for her believes that she made a call"
DeniedCase context: Did Susan Collins Trade Federal Contract Support for Navatek Campaign Donations?
Full statement and sources
Asked by the Portland Press Herald whether Susan Collins called Navatek CEO Martin Kao to thank him for a 2019 super PAC donation, her campaign spokesperson said there is no record of the call and that neither Collins nor anyone who worked for her believes she made it.
After the statement
The campaign and its manager, Steve Abbott, had said the week before that they did "not believe" the senator ever called Kao.
Portland Press Herald: The laws tied to the Collins-Navatek allegations are 'crystal clear.' Enforcing them is another matter.Section "Did Collins actually call Kao to thank him?"; statements from campaign spokesperson Blake Kernen.Why this label?
The case asks whether Collins traded federal contract support for Navatek campaign donations. ProPublica reported that a Reed aide sought Kao's number because Collins "would like to call Martin to thank him." The campaign denies the call took place, so we labeled it Denies.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Susan CollinsU.S. Senator for Maine, the senator whose conduct is at issueDirectly involved
Before this statement
Hours after ProPublica published its investigation into whether Collins traded federal contract support for Navatek campaign donations, and after her deputy chief of staff Annie Clark issued a written denial, Collins spoke directly to reporters just off the Senate floor about the allegations.
"In 2021, the Biden Justice Department found there was no wrongdoing by anyone on my campaign staff, my office or me. This is absolutely outrageous. It's clearly a political hit job."
DeniedCase context: Did Susan Collins Trade Federal Contract Support for Navatek Campaign Donations?
Full statement and sources
Collins personally denies the pay-to-play allegations, citing a 2021 Biden Justice Department finding of no wrongdoing by her, her office, or her campaign, and calls the ProPublica report a political hit job driven by Democratic tactics; she also calls Kao a liar with multiple federal convictions.
After the statement
Collins also blamed the timing and framing of the story on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic tactics, and separately called Martin Kao a liar who has been twice convicted in separate federal court cases, including for money laundering.
Susan Collins slams ‘political hit job’ on Justice Department probeparagraphs 1-8, quoting Collins speaking to reporters off the Senate floorWhy this label?
On whether she traded federal contract support for Navatek campaign donations, Collins says the Biden Justice Department already investigated and found no wrongdoing by her, her staff, or her campaign. That is a direct denial that the alleged conduct occurred, not merely a dispute over how the story is framed.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Sources
(26)
Reporting
The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins — Until Trump Got in the Way
Relevant passage: Reporting Highlights; opening account of the Corner Bakery meeting; sections “Kao to Collins: ‘Here to Help’” and “Downfall, Cover-up”
Excerpt
"Kao told FBI agents and prosecutors that Navatek used campaign support to obtain government funding and that Collins was a willing participant; Collins's office, Reed, lobbyists and the FBI disputed material parts of that account."
About this source
Anchor investigation reporting previously undisclosed FBI cooperation interviews, internal company emails, campaign and lobbying communications, and responses from Collins's office, the FBI, Scott Reed, Glen Mandigo, Andy Winer and Steven Loui. The article says Kao had credibility incentives and that no one working for Collins was charged.
- Author
- William Turton, Avi Asher-Schapiro, Molly Redden, and Kirsten Berg
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Judgment records Kao campaign-finance sentence
Relevant passage: Document 101, pages 1-3: imposition date, offenses and imprisonment
About this source
The judgment records a 33-month sentence imposed October 20, 2025, concurrent with the District of Hawaii case. It concerns Kao, not a finding that Collins committed an offense.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Portland Press Herald: The laws tied to the Collins-Navatek allegations are 'crystal clear.' Enforcing them is another matter.
Relevant passage: Campaign-finance expert interviews; sections on bribery proof and contractor-donation rules
About this source
Press Herald explainer on the campaign-finance and contracting laws tied to the Navatek allegations. It includes the Collins campaign's answer, through spokesperson Blake Kernen, to whether Collins called Martin Kao to thank him for the shell-company donation that ProPublica reported, and comments from campaign-finance experts.
- Author
- Billy Kobin
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
The Majority Report segment on Susan Collins's response to the Navatek reporting
About this source
The Majority Report published this segment on YouTube on September 25, 2026. It plays Susan Collins discussing the Navatek allegations on the Wall Street Journal's podcast.
- Author
- The Majority Report
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Republican Susan Collins dismisses allegations of corruption as 'completely false'
About this source
Guardian report on Collins's answer to a reporter's question about the Senate ethics complaint over the Navatek allegations.
- Author
- Joseph Gedeon
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Democrat files ethics complaint against Susan Collins over alleged pay-to-play scheme
About this source
Press Herald report on Valerie Adams's Senate ethics complaint against Collins and the Collins campaign's response.
- Author
- Randy Billings
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Collins campaign claims public records show that she was not involved in bribery scheme
About this source
WGME report on the Collins campaign's release of 2017 records and a photo of Collins meeting Kao, with a response from Maine Democrats.
- Author
- Julia Simone
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
How Trump's FBI Purge Saved Lindsey Graham and James Clyburn From a Bribery Investigation
About this source
Second ProPublica story in a series on the FBI's Navatek inquiry, reporting Martin Kao's account to FBI agents of cash-for-contracts deals with South Carolina lawmakers and the company's targeting of small-state appropriators.
- Author
- Molly Redden, Avi Asher-Schapiro, William Turton and Kirsten Berg
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
The New York Times: FBI Shut Down Inquiry Into Top Ally of Sen. Susan Collins
Relevant passage: Opening paragraphs on the inquiry's closing and officials' account of the evidence.
About this source
New York Times report, read in GV Wire's syndicated copy, citing current and former officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. It says the FBI closed the inquiry in 2025 because senior officials questioned Martin Kao's account, while acknowledging more could have surfaced had the investigation continued. ProPublica's account of the same closing differs.
- Author
- The New York Times
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Portland Press Herald: The laws tied to the Collins-Navatek allegations are 'crystal clear.' Enforcing them is another matter.
Relevant passage: Section "Did Collins actually call Kao to thank him?"; statements from campaign spokesperson Blake Kernen.
Excerpt
"Neither Susan Collins nor anyone who worked for her believes that she made a call"
About this source
Press Herald explainer on the campaign-finance and contracting laws tied to the Navatek allegations. It includes the Collins campaign's answer, through spokesperson Blake Kernen, to whether Collins called Martin Kao to thank him for the shell-company donation that ProPublica reported, and comments from campaign-finance experts.
- Author
- Billy Kobin
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
WinSenate uploads ProPublica Collins campaign ad
Excerpt
"Susan Collins took illegal campaign money and steered millions in government contracts to the donor"
About this source
The WinSenate upload presents a campaign ad that attributes a donation-for-contracts allegation to Susan Collins and says the Trump administration ended the investigation. These are the ad's assertions, not findings established by the video. The displayed upload date is September 30; it does not establish when television broadcasts began.
- Author
- WinSenate
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Maine veterans demand Collins release Navatek communications
Relevant passage: September 28 Davenport Park rally; paragraphs describing the Maine Veterans Alliance demands and the statements by Jason Tkacs and Melinda Swayne.
About this source
Beacon reports on a rally by the Maine Veterans Alliance, a project of the Maine People's Alliance. Beacon is also a Maine People's Alliance project. Participants called for disclosure of Collins's communications with Navatek and for restoration of the FBI's public corruption unit. Their demands do not establish the alleged exchange of donations for contracts.
- Author
- Channa Steinmetz
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
FEC factual and legal analysis, MUR 7690
Relevant passage: Report page 4, footnotes 6 and 8 identifying April 24 plea agreements and statements of offense; Report page 5, text and footnote 10 identifying the two August 29 judgments
About this source
Clifford Chen and Lawrence Lum Kee pleaded guilty to making contributions through other people's names. The FEC's later report identifies Collins's campaign as the recipient. Judgments dated August 29 recorded 12 months of probation and $5,000 fines for each executive. These penalties concerned the contribution offenses, not a conviction of Collins.
- Author
- Federal Election Commission
- Accessed
Official statement
Former Government Contractor Executive Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Campaign Contributions
Relevant passage: September 27, 2022 release, first two paragraphs
About this source
Martin Kao pleaded guilty to conspiracy, unlawful contributions and false submissions to the FEC. The plea concerned his conduct, not a finding that Collins knowingly traded official action for donations.
- Author
- U.S. Department of Justice
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Collins campaign and John Thune respond to Navatek allegations
Relevant passage: Concluding paragraph, Thune's response; Opening section, Wednesday campaign-manager response
About this source
John Thune rejected the suggestion that Collins participated in a pay-to-play scheme, calling the allegations politically motivated. Steve Abbott denied that Collins exchanged contracts for campaign money and rejected the allegation that her campaign charged for meetings.
- Author
- Associated Press
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Susan Collins dismissed our reporting as old news. Some of her claims aren't true.
Relevant passage: Paragraphs beginning 'The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad' and 'An FBI spokesperson told ProPublica'
Excerpt
"The investigation at the center of ProPublica's story was based on claims Kao made between 2022 through 2024."
About this source
ProPublica's follow-up responds to statements by Collins and aides about an earlier FBI inquiry. It distinguishes that inquiry from a later review described in ProPublica's September 22 report. The article contains ProPublica's reporting and interpretations; it does not itself establish a legal finding about Collins or her campaign.
- Author
- William Turton, Molly Redden, Avi Asher-Schapiro, and Kirsten Berg
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Sen. Susan Collins campaign manager Steve Abbott responds to corruption allegations
Relevant passage: Full 30:37 C-SPAN recording; Abbott’s opening statement begins at 00:00:02 and his answer calling the allegations false begins at approximately 14:00
Excerpt
"I not only [say they are] false, I would say outrageous."
About this source
C-SPAN’s full recording of a September 23 Portland press conference by Steve Abbott, Sen. Susan Collins’s campaign manager. It records Abbott’s defense of Collins, her campaign, and its staff; it does not establish whether the underlying allegations are true. C-SPAN notes that the transcript is compiled from uncorrected closed captioning.
- Author
- C-SPAN
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Democrats accuse Susan Collins of corruption following report on alleged pay-to-play scheme
Relevant passage: paragraphs quoting Devon Murphy-Anderson at a Maine Democratic Party press event
Excerpt
"Mainers deserve transparency, and we deserve accountability. We deserve to know exactly what happened."
About this source
Maine Public reporting on Maine Democratic reaction to the ProPublica story, including Maine Democratic Party executive director Devon Murphy-Anderson calling on Collins for transparency and accountability, and Troy Jackson calling the allegations corruption; also reports Collins office and FBI denials.
- Author
- Kevin Miller, Madi Smith
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
How UMaine got caught up in allegations of a bribery scheme between Susan Collins and a defense contractor
Relevant passage: paragraphs quoting University of Maine spokesperson Samantha Warren
Excerpt
"The ProPublica report misrepresented UMaines research and development, which Senator Collins has long and effectively championed."
About this source
Bangor Daily News reporting on how the University of Maine was drawn into the ProPublica story, including on-the-record responses from UMaine spokesperson Samantha Warren disputing ProPublicas characterization of Navy-funded research, clarifying the Navy funding was for basic research rather than boat purchases, and saying UMaine has not worked with Navatek or its successor since 2021.
- Author
- Kasey Turman
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Susan Collins slams ‘political hit job’ on Justice Department probe
Relevant passage: paragraphs 1-8, quoting Collins speaking to reporters off the Senate floor
Excerpt
"In 2021, the Biden Justice Department found there was no wrongdoing by anyone on my campaign staff, my office or me. This is absolutely outrageous. Its clearly a political hit job."
About this source
Punchbowl News reporting on Sen. Susan Collins on-the-record remarks to reporters just off the Senate floor responding to the ProPublica investigation, including her denial of wrongdoing, her characterization of the story as a political hit job tied to Schumer/Democratic tactics, and her description of Martin Kao as a liar with multiple federal convictions.
- Author
- John Bresnahan
- Published
- Accessed
Analysis
Major Victory: CLC Complaint Delivers Rare Accountability for Maine Voters
Relevant passage: Discussion of the 2020 complaint, FEC disposition and Collins limitation
Excerpt
"“Collins had previously supported Navatek’s contract work with the government (the complaint did not allege involvement by Collins or her campaign).”"
About this source
Campaign Legal Center account of the FEC matter and resulting PacMar penalty. It is useful for distinguishing the established campaign-finance violations from the later allegation that Collins knowingly participated.
- Author
- Shanna Ports
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Indictment of Martin Kao, Clifford Chen and Lawrence Lum Kee for unlawful campaign contributions
Relevant passage: United States v. Kao, Chen and Lum Kee, D.D.C., indictment, pages 4–15
Excerpt
"The indictment alleges that executives used Navatek funds, a shell company and reimbursed contributors to make prohibited contributions benefiting a federal candidate committee and political committee."
About this source
Federal charging document for the straw-donor, conduit-contribution and government-contractor contribution scheme. The document does not charge Collins, her staff, Collins for Senator or 1820 PAC personnel with bribery.
- Author
- U.S. Department of Justice
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Troy Jackson calls the reported Collins–Navatek arrangement corruption
Excerpt
"“This is corruption of the highest order.”"
About this source
Primary statement from Collins's Democratic Senate opponent reacting to the ProPublica investigation and demanding answers about contracts and conversations involving Collins's team.
- Author
- Troy Jackson
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Federal Election Commission Matter Under Review 7690
Relevant passage: Matter Under Review 7690; complaint, responses, general counsel reports, conciliation agreement and final disposition
Excerpt
"The docket documents the complaint, investigation and $325,000 conciliation agreement concerning PacMar Technologies' use of a shell company to fund a $150,000 contribution to 1820 PAC."
About this source
Official administrative record for the donor-side campaign-finance violations. It establishes Navatek/PacMar's unlawful funding and concealment of the contribution but does not establish that Susan Collins knowingly participated in a quid pro quo.
- Author
- Federal Election Commission
- Accessed
Reporting
Feds investigating alleged illegal donations to Collins’ re-election bid
Relevant passage: Opening section, “What’s happening” and “What they’re saying”
Excerpt
"“The Collins for Senator Campaign had absolutely no knowledge of anything alleged in the warrant.”"
About this source
Contemporaneous reporting on the initial FBI investigation and unsealed search-warrant application. Axios reported there was no indication at that time that Collins or her team knew of the illegal donation scheme.
- Author
- Lachlan Markay
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Annie Clark denies the Navatek pay-to-play allegations against Susan Collins
Excerpt
"“The seven-year-old allegations made against Senator Collins and her staff in this piece are categorically false.”"
About this source
Primary statement from Collins's deputy chief of staff responding to the ProPublica report. Clark disputes the allegations, attacks Kao's credibility, describes the campaign's cooperation with investigators and says the FBI has not contacted the office about Kao since 2021.
- Author
- Annie Clark
- Published
- Accessed
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Cite this record
- Publisher
- The Dispute Index
- Title
- Did Susan Collins Trade Federal Contract Support for Navatek Campaign Donations?
- First published
- Last updated
- Permalink
- https://disputeindex.com/cases/susan-collins-navatek-contracts-campaign-donations
The Dispute Index. "Did Susan Collins Trade Federal Contract Support for Navatek Campaign Donations?". First published: 2026-09-22. Last updated: 2026-09-22. https://disputeindex.com/cases/susan-collins-navatek-contracts-campaign-donations