Trump comes to Susan Collins' rescue

And Trump aides explore attaching president’s name to Ford’s Theatre |

VIEW IN BROWSER Wednesday, Sep. 23, 2026 Today, we’re looking at Susan Collins' evasion of an FBI probe on corruption, Trump aides' efforts to affix his name to Ford’s Theatre, Trump’s golden gifts and more. Plus, Chris Hayes breaks down the “no win” situation awaiting the GOP. Anna Lefkowitz / MS NOW;  Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images; Brendan Moran / Sportsfile via Getty Images; Bill Clark / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images Susan Collins’ brush with an FBI probe shows how Trump has enabled public corruption By Paul Waldman According to a new investigation from ProPublica, Sen. Susan Collins narrowly escaped being embroiled in an FBI bribery probe into defense contracts, lawmakers and large campaign contributions. For that, she can thank the Trump administration’s commitment to making America a place where the wealthy, connected and morally flexible can get away with almost anything. The good news is that if we’re determined enough, we can undo the damage that has been done. ProPublica’s story begins in 2019, when the head of Collins’ super PAC, Scott Reed, met with executives from a defense contractor called Navatek that the senator had helped land a Navy research contract in Maine. Then Collins’ fundraiser made a request.   This is a preview of Paul Waldman’s latest column. Read the full column here. Respond directly to Paul Waldman’s column by submitting a letter to the editor through this form. Read our submission guidelines here.  Respond directly to Paul Waldman’s column by submitting a letter to the editor through this form. Read our submission guidelines here.  Must Reads    Jacquelyn Martin / AP Photo Trump aides explore attaching president’s name to Ford’s Theatre The playhouse where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated has been mentioned among federal properties that could carry the president’s name, people familiar with the effort told MS NOW. Read more from Brian Bennett, Laura Barrón-López and Jake Traylor.  Democrats are winning. Republicans are ready to care about debt again. It sure is convenient that Republicans are pushing for fiscal responsibility now after two years of not caring, argues Hayes Brown. Read more.  The powerful gave Trump golden gifts. He gave them breaks. Trump has received golden presents from foreign leaders, powerful corporate CEOs and interest groups who received perks and leniency from his administration. Read more from David Rohde and Lily Becker.  MS NOW The Trump stories Fox News suddenly doesn’t want to talk about Among the stories that have largely gone missing: the Iran war and the president’s cratering poll numbers, writes Matt Gertz. Read more. Top Videos   ALL IN WITH CHRIS HAYES Chris Hayes breaks down a ‘no win situation’ for Republicans  Watch now   THE MOMENT WITH KATY TUR Trump launches YouTube channel amid White House’s media ban Watch now   THE MOMENT WITH KATY TUR FAA to use new AI tool for air traffic control Watch now   MS NOW Stephanie Ruhle fact-checks Trump’s U.N. address Watch now   More from MS NOW   On Saturday, Sept. 26, don’t miss the chance to attend “Together in Texas: We The People 2026,” our annual live community event. As the country heads toward the 2026 midterm elections, we’re bringing conversations with top newsmakers and insights from your favorite MS NOW hosts to the place at the center of it all: Texas. Buy your tickets today: ms.now/together. Dan Harris answers questions from MS NOW Members about mindfulness, stress and mental well-being while exploring practical ways to navigate today’s nonstop news landscape. Submit your questions for Dan to answer in a future episode. 229 West 43rd St. New York, NY 10036 PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE