‘You owe me an apology’: Maine Republican senator strikes back after being accused of profiting off of Iran war: news
12-10-2026
Maine U.S. Senate Debate: Susan Collins Demands Apology Over Iran War Profit Accusations
During a televised Maine U.S. Senate debate in Portland, Republican Senator Susan Collins clashed sharply with Democratic challenger Troy Jackson after he accused her and her husband of profiting from the war in Iran.
The Accusation During the Debate
Democratic candidate Troy Jackson leveled the charge directly at Collins, claiming she failed to use her congressional leverage to halt military conflict because her household stood to gain financially. Jackson alleged on stage that Collins and her husband were actively making money off the conflict.
Democrats pointed to federal financial disclosures showing that Collins’ husband held shares in defense contractors, including Boeing and RTX (formerly Raytheon), valued between $15,001 and $50,000.
Collins’ Response: ‘You Owe Me an Apology’
Senator Collins forcefully rejected the allegation, interrupting the claim to call it “absolutely outrageous”. She fired back directly at Jackson, stating, “That is absolutely outrageous, and you owe me an apology”.
Subsequent reviews of financial disclosures and market data revealed that shares in the cited defense contractors had actually dropped in value over the course of the conflict rather than posted gains. Collins maintained that the accusation was baseless and represented an inappropriate personal attack on her family.
Key Political Takeaways
Heated Race Dynamics: The clash highlighted rising tensions in Maine’s high-stakes U.S. Senate race as candidates debated foreign policy, defense spending, and personal ethics.
Foreign Policy Scrutiny: Congressional stock ownership and defense contractor investments continue to serve as major campaign talking points in federal elections.