Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, criticized President Trump for firing State Department Inspector General Steve Linick on Saturday. Collins' comments come as she faces her own criticism from both Democrat and Republican voters in an election year.

“The President has not provided the kind of justification for the removal of IG Linick required by this law,” she tweeted. “I have long been a strong advocate for the Inspectors General. They are vital partners in Congress’s effort to identify inefficient or ineffective government programs and to root out fraud and other wrongdoing.”

Collins was derided for her response by those who believe she won't take any action against the White House.

Collins has been frequently criticized for not standing up to Trump. During the impeachment trial earlier this year, Collins voted to acquit Trump on both articles of impeachment, claiming that she hoped Trump had learned a lesson from the ordeal.

Collins’ impeachment vote, along with her vote to approve Trump Supreme Court appointee Brett Kavanaugh, are considered important issues in her bid for reelection. Collins has served in her role since 1997 but had the highest disapproval rating of any senator in a recent national survey.

It's unclear how Maine voters will respond to this latest controversy.

Trump possibly fired Linick in retaliation for his investigation into Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for suspected abuse of office.

"It is vital that I have the fullest confidence in the appointees serving as Inspectors General. That is no longer the case with regard to this Inspector General," Trump said in a letter addressed to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi late Friday.

In recent months, Trump has removed multiple inspectors general involved with oversight of his administration. These officials include: Health and Human Services IG Christi Grimm, acting Defense Department IG Glenn Fine and Intelligence Community IG Michael Atkinson.

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