Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, heads to the chamber before votes on the immigration enforcement funding package, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press)Sen. Susan Collins voted Tuesday to confirm President’s Donald Trump choice to become the nation’s top intelligence official, drawing criticism from Democrats. A Collins spokesperson said that Clayton repeatedly denied being an election denier during his confirmation hearing. Related Susan Collins wrestles with Trump on spending power amid tough reelectionFree speech advocates, however, criticized Clayton’s confirmation, citing First Amendment concerns. AdvertisementBoth King and Collins serve on the Senate Intelligence Committee, which held a confirmation hearing on July 15.