POLITICS09/24/26

ProPublica's Collins-Navatek FBI Investigation

ProPublica reported the FBI was probing Sen. Collins' ties to a defense contractor before Trump shut down the investigation

Photo: ProPublica

FRAMING ProPublica emphasized FBI Probe Killed by Trump; The Federalist emphasized Partisan Lawfare Hit Piece.

LEFT / CENTER-LEFT

▸Trump's purge of the FBI shut down the Navatek corruption review, which was in its early stages. — ProPublica
▸Several claims Collins and her aides made in response to the story are incorrect or misleading, per a follow-up. — ProPublica
▸Collins was facing her toughest reelection race in 2019 and falling behind in fundraising when her super PAC met Navatek. — ProPublica

RIGHT / CENTER-RIGHT

▸The Federalist characterized ProPublica's report as a partisan hit piece driven by discredited activists targeting a Republican. — The Federalist
▸The investigation is framed as an example of the left's 'lawfare machine' targeting even moderate Republicans. — The Federalist
▸ProPublica's sourcing is questioned on the basis that key subjects include a convicted criminal and a habitual Republican critic. — The Federalist

Guilfoyle Defamation Lawsuit Filed

Trump donor Eric Deters sued Kimberly Guilfoyle for defamation on October 15, 2026.

DEVELOPING TIMELINE

First Report Oct 12: Trump and Rubio reportedly weighing firing Ambassador Guilfoyle amid misconduct allegations

Oct 14: Guilfoyle forced to resign as Greece ambassador

Friday: Donor Eric Deters sues Guilfoyle for defamation

Left: Donor says suit could shake Trump's whole team.

Right: Lawsuit follows Trump-requested resignation Tuesday.

The Supreme Court agreed Monday to hear a challenge to Montgomery County, Maryland's magnet school admissions policy.

Left: Court may strike policies limiting Asian students.

Right: Justices take up race-based admissions discrimination.

Federal judge issues preliminary injunction restoring White House access for CNN, MS NOW, and Politico.

DEVELOPING TIMELINE

First Report Oct 14: Judge Timothy Kelly extended the block on Trump administration's ban of CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House.

Thursday: Judge extends White House press access indefinitely

Left: Court delivers 'major win' for press freedom

Right: Access extended indefinitely; Trump to appeal

Trump signed an executive order Friday waiving Russia sanctions under the Lindsey Graham-named law, drawing bipartisan criticism.

DEVELOPING TIMELINE

First Report Saturday: Trump signs executive order waiving Russia sanctions and tariffs mandated by the Graham Act.

Sunday: Executive order signed two days before sanctions took effect

Left: A gift to Putin, a slap at Graham's legacy

Right: Energy relief, acting in national interest