Full Breakdown
Controversy Surrounds Maine Senate Candidate Graham Platner's Tattoo
10/22/2025, 4:59:50 AM
Graham Platner's Tattoo and Its Implications
Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine, has come under scrutiny following the revelation of a tattoo on his chest that resembles the Nazi "Totenkopf" symbol, associated with the SS, or Schutzstaffel. Platner, a Marine veteran, stated that he got the tattoo in 2007 while on leave in Croatia with fellow Marines, claiming he was unaware of its Nazi connotations at the time. He described the decision as a drunken choice, saying, “We chose a terrifying-looking skull and crossbones off the wall... a pretty standard military thing.”
Background and Context
The tattoo controversy erupted as Platner's campaign faced backlash over resurfaced Reddit posts from 2013 to 2021, where he made inflammatory remarks, including calling police “bastards” and downplaying sexual assault in the military. His former political director, Genevieve McDonald, resigned from his campaign, stating, “Graham has an antisemitic tattoo on his chest,” and argued that he should have been aware of its meaning given his interest in military history.
Official Statements and Responses
In an interview on the "Pod Save America" podcast, Platner denied being a "secret Nazi," asserting, “I am not a secret Nazi... I think you can pretty much figure out where I stand on Nazism and antisemitism and racism in general.” He expressed regret over the tattoo and announced plans to have it removed, stating, “I absolutely would not have gone through life having this on my chest if I knew that.” The Anti-Defamation League commented that if the tattoo is indeed a Totenkopf, it is troubling for a candidate for high office to possess such imagery.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics have pointed to Platner's mixed accounts regarding his awareness of the tattoo's meaning. While he claims ignorance, former acquaintances have recounted instances where he acknowledged the tattoo's association with Nazism. McDonald emphasized that even if he did not know when he got it, he should have covered it up over the years. This inconsistency has raised questions about his credibility as a candidate.
What's Next
As Platner navigates this controversy, he faces a competitive primary against notable candidates, including former Governor Janet Mills. The Democratic Party views this Senate race as a critical opportunity to flip a Republican seat. Despite the backlash, Platner remains committed to his campaign, stating, “I’m in this because we need to do something totally different... I’m staying in this thing because of that.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am not a secret Nazi.” — Graham Platner, Democratic Senate Candidate
- “Graham has an antisemitic tattoo on his chest.” — Genevieve McDonald, Former Political Director
- “appears to be a Nazi Totenkopf tattoo, and if true, it is troubling that a candidate for high office would have one.” — Jessica Cohen, Anti-Defamation League Spokesperson
- “I absolutely would not have gone through life having this on my chest if I knew that — and to insinuate that I did is disgusting.” — Graham Platner, on his tattoo
The controversy surrounding Graham Platner's tattoo and past comments continues to unfold as he seeks to solidify his position in the Maine Senate race.
