Sen. Susan Collins broke with President Donald Trump’s decision to replace his acting director of national intelligence with U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell, deeming the longtime GOP operative inexperienced for the critical position.

The Maine Republican said Trump should have retained former acting DNI Joseph Maguire, who was abruptly dismissed last week after his aides delivered a briefing on Russian election interference to House members that displeased conservatives.


“I would have much preferred that the president nominate acting director Maguire for the post,” Collins told reporters Monday afternoon. “I care deeply about that position and believe the person needs experience in the intelligence community which regrettably ambassador Grenell does not have.”