# Senate Leader Collins Defies Trump But Rarely Stops Him

> Senator Susan Collins often votes against Trump but rarely blocks his agenda, a pattern that fuels criticism of her independence.
- Title: Senate Leader Collins Defies Trump But Rarely Stops Him
- Summary: Senator Susan Collins often votes against Trump but rarely blocks his agenda, a pattern that fuels criticism of her independence. Senator Susan Collins…
- Keywords: senator susan collins, trump, senate, voting record, republican party, affordable care act, impeachment, appropriations committee, federal spending, medicaid cuts, news, local
- Source: The Boston Globe — https://bostonglobe.com/2026/10/11/nation/senate-collins-often-defies-trump-rarely-stops-him
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: senator susan collins, trump, senate, voting record, republican party, affordable care act, impeachment, appropriations committee, federal spending, medicaid cuts, news, local
## Senate Vote on Trump's Aid Cuts
Senator Susan Collins faced a critical vote to block Trump's $9 billion foreign aid and public broadcasting cuts.
## Collins' Longstanding Defiance
Collins has frequently criticized Trump and voted against his initiatives more often than any other Republican senator.
## Collins' Independent Reputation
She cherishes her reputation as one of the few independent Republicans in the Senate, helping explain her popularity in Maine.
## Collins' Strategic Vote
Collins prepared an amendment to shield public broadcasting from cuts but faced Republican opposition to her change.
## Collins Voted Against the Bill
Collins voted 'no' on the bill, registering opposition to revoking spending even though the measure had enough Republican votes to pass.
## Cuts Enacted Despite Opposition
The cuts were enacted as Trump wanted a week later, showing Collins' limited impact on his agenda.
## Collins' Defiance in Context
Collins' voting record shows she breaks with Republicans more than any other senator but rarely thwarts Trump's agenda.
## Collins' Success Rate Declined
During Trump's first two years, Collins helped block his agenda half the time; now she succeeds only 15 percent of the time.
## Collins' Committee Leadership
As Appropriations Committee chair, Collins blocked Trump's spending cuts and rejected $170 billion in proposed cuts.
## Collins' Role in Senate Strategy
Republicans adjust their strategy to accommodate Collins' votes on major bills.
## Medicaid Cuts Debate
Collins opposed Medicaid cuts but could not stop them, leading Republicans to seek support from other senators.
## Cabinet Nominee Conflicts
Collins has refused to support Trump's Cabinet nominees for attorney general and defense secretary.
## Cabinet Confirmations
Both nominees were confirmed despite Collins' opposition, showing her limited influence.
## Key takeaway

Senator Susan Collins defies Trump's agenda more often than any Republican senator but rarely stops him, a pattern criticized as lacking impact.