Susan Collins prides herself on being independent, which means that when it comes to opposing Trump, she picks her spots. She voted against the BBB and Hegseth, but she supported Trump on RFK, Bondi, Patel, and the attempt to force changes in ICE tactics. Is that a more effective way to keep Trump within the guardrails than consistent opposition?
Based on the record, probably not. A Senate in which Collins is the decisive vote would most likely stand aside and wring its collective hands ineffectually in the face of creeping autocracy.