WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed U.S. Senator Susan Collins for reelection, marking a notable political moment in a relationship that has often been defined by public disagreements and political friction.

Speaking during a White House event, Trump acknowledged that he and Collins have frequently clashed over policy and votes during his presidency. Still, he made clear that he views the veteran Maine senator as the Republican Party’s best chance to hold the seat in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country.

“She does [have my endorsement] because she’s a sane woman,” Trump said. “She’s not my best friend at all… but she’s a sane person. And she’s a person that never missed a vote in many years… unfortunately, because sometimes she voted against me.”

The endorsement underscores the complicated political dynamic between Trump and Collins, whose moderate brand and willingness to occasionally break with Republican leadership have long frustrated parts of the GOP base while helping her maintain appeal with independents and swing voters in Maine.

Trump also used the moment to sharply criticize Collins’ Democratic opponent, Graham Platner, who recently secured the Democratic nomination despite a campaign clouded by controversy.

Trump described Platner as a “thug,” a “fake,” and a “phony,” signaling that national Republicans intend to make Platner’s controversies a central focus of the general election campaign.

The endorsement comes as Republicans view Maine as a critical battleground in the fight for control of the U.S. Senate. Collins, who is seeking a historic sixth term, is widely considered one of the few Republicans capable of consistently winning statewide in Maine, a state that has increasingly leaned Democratic in presidential elections.

Political observers have long noted the balancing act Collins has maintained throughout her career. While she has supported Republican priorities on many issues, she has also opposed Trump on several high-profile votes and policy battles, cultivating an image as an independent-minded senator.

That balancing act was again evident in the response from Collins’ campaign.

Campaign spokesman Blake Kernen emphasized the senator’s bipartisan approach following Trump’s endorsement, noting that Collins “has worked with five different Presidents… and has never agreed with any of them on every issue.”

The endorsement also arrives as Collins recently reached a historic milestone of more than 10,000 consecutive Senate votes cast, a record her campaign has frequently highlighted as evidence of her consistency and commitment to the office.

With national attention now fixed squarely on Maine, the race between Collins and Platner is expected to become one of the most expensive and closely watched Senate contests in the country heading into November.