This letter ran in The Ellsworth American, Aug. 17, 2026.
To the Editor:
When asked about then Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s order granting President Trump, his sons, and family business immunity from IRS audits earlier this year, Senator Collins was quoted as stating: “I haven’t been focused on that, to tell the truth.” As an afterthought she added: “I think the same rules should apply to everybody.” Senator Collins’ response when I wrote asking her to take action to block the immunity deal was non-committal.
Although Senator Collins voted against Mr. Blanche’s confirmation as Attorney General (yet another in a long line of her meaningless protest votes), she has not made any meaningful attempt since the Trump immunity deal from IRS audits was first announced to ensure the rules that apply to all of us who pay our taxes year after year also apply to President Trump — or any other president, member of Congress or Supreme Court justice for that matter. I find that offensive.
Citizens of Maine deserve a senator who will stand up against President Trump’s abuses of office, which include the order granting him immunity from IRS audits. Maine voters have a choice this November. We can reelect a senator who wasn’t immediately alarmed when President Trump was granted immunity from IRS audits, or we can elect a senator who will stand up for all of us. The choice is easy – I will be voting for Troy Jackson.
Alan Blume
Blue Hill