Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) refused to follow the trend of many Republicans in recent weeks and is so far not backing former President Trump ahead of the upcoming presidential elections.
When asked whether she would support Trump following his victory in the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries, Collins responded, “At this time, I do not.”
“I’m glad to hear last night that Nikki Haley is determined to stay in. I think the more people see of her, particularly since she appears to be the only alternative to Donald Trump right now, the more impressed they will be,” Collins stated.
Conversely, Collins offered Haley some words of encouragement.
Collins explained that she initially refrained from formally endorsing Haley because she did not want to be forced to choose between former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, former Vice President Mike Pence, and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), all of whom Collins considered “friendly.”
After voting to absolve Trump in his initial impeachment trial, Collins faced criticism and made the infamous remark that she believed he had learned from the ordeal.
Collins voted to convict in his second impeachment trial for instigating the insurrection on January 6, 2021, alongside seven other Senate Republicans.
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