By Trendsetter Tribune 
In a move that signals heightening friction within the Republican Party, Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) broke five days of silence on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, to endorse Senator Susan Collins’ reelection bid in Maine. The endorsement from the NRSC Chair is particularly notable given Collins’ recent “never be elected again” status from President Donald Trump and Scott’s own recent public rebuke of the administration over a controversial social media post.
The “Monkey Video” Schism
Scott’s emergence follows a period of “radio silence” after he condemned a video posted by President Trump’s Truth Social account on Friday, February 6. The video, which depicted the Obamas as monkeys in a Lion King parody, was described by Scott—the GOP’s only Black senator—as “the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House.”
- The White House Defense: Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt initially dismissed the criticism as “fake outrage” over a meme.
- The “Staff Error” Claim: By Friday evening, following a direct call between Trump and Scott, the administration pivoted, claiming a staffer “erroneously” made the post.
- The Backlash: Far-right activist Laura Loomer and other Trump loyalists accused Scott of “deliberate sabotage,” while Scott has stood by his demand for accountability.
A Defiant Endorsement for Maine
By backing Collins, Scott is throwing his weight behind one of the most embattled moderates in the party. Collins, who launched her campaign yesterday with a New Balance “unboxing” video, is currently fighting a two-front war: a “Toss-up” general election and a hostile White House.
| Factor | Detail |
| Trump’s Stance | Trump recently declared Collins “should never be elected to office again” after she voted to curb his military authority in Venezuela. |
| Scott’s Praise | Scott called Collins a “battle-tested leader” and praised her “fierce independence.” |
| 2026 Stakes | Maine is the only state where Republicans are defending an incumbent in a state carried by Kamala Harris in 2024. |
Scott Takes Aim at Gene Wu
While distancing himself from the White House’s rhetoric, Scott pivoted on Tuesday to attack Texas State Rep. Gene Wu, the Democratic Minority Leader. Scott accused Wu of recycling “the ideology behind slavery” following a resurfaced video of the Houston lawmaker.
- Wu’s Comments: In the clip, Wu urged diverse ethnic communities to recognize they share a “common oppressor” (later identified by Wu as the Republican Party) and stated, “We have the ability to take over this country.”
- Scott’s Reaction: Scott labeled the remarks as “ethnic cleansing” rhetoric, a move seen by some analysts as an attempt to shore up his conservative credentials after his clash with Trump over the Obama video.
The Scavino Wedding Backdrop
The political drama unfolded as the administration’s elite gathered at Mar-a-Lago for the wedding of Dan Scavino and Erin Elmore. While Scott was absent, the event served as a show of force for the “loyalist” wing of the party, featuring Elon Musk, Pam Bondi, and Donald Trump Jr. with fiancée Bettina Anderson.