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Senate nominee faces scrutiny over Nazi-like tattoo

5/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senator Chris Van Hollen said Graham Platner deserves a chance despite the Nazi-like tattoo controversy.
Platner is the Democratic nominee for Maine’s U.S. Senate seat after winning the primary and Senate leaders’ endorsements.
He denied the tattoo, then covered it after confirming it resembled the Nazi symbol.
A review showed he used slur against people with special needs, called police “bastards,” blamed PTSD from 2011 Afghanistan deployment, and expressed regret.

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Story summary

Senator Chris Van Hollen said Graham Platner deserves a chance despite the Nazi-like tattoo controversy.
Platner is the Democratic nominee for Maine’s U.S. Senate seat after winning the primary and Senate leaders’ endorsements.
He denied the tattoo, then covered it after confirming it resembled the Nazi symbol.
A review showed he used slur against people with special needs, called police “bastards,” blamed PTSD from 2011 Afghanistan deployment, and expressed regret.