A candidate for the US Senate is vehemently denying allegations that his chest tattoo is a Nazi emblem.
Graham Platner, who has served in both the Army and Marine Corps, has encountered a series of challenges during his campaign for the US Senate seat in Maine.
Platner is attempting to challenge Susan Collins, the longest-tenured Republican woman senator, in the 2026 election.
Recently, he had to issue an apology following the resurfacing of controversial Reddit posts.
The latest controversy involves speculation surrounding one of Platner’s tattoos.
The former oyster farmer possesses a skull-and-bones tattoo that some claim resembles a Nazi symbol known as the Totenkopf.
The Totenkopf, meaning ‘death’s head,’ is historically linked to Nazi Germany military units, notably the SS-Totenkopfverbände, which managed concentration camps.
This symbol was also associated with the 3rd SS Panzer Division, a notable Waffen-SS combat division.
Platner’s campaign preemptively addressed the criticism by having him discuss the tattoo during an appearance on the Pod Save America podcast.
His team released a video showing Platner at his brother’s wedding with the tattoo visible.
In the video, Platner can be seen dancing and miming along to Miley Cyrus’s 2013 song, ‘Wrecking Ball,’ without a shirt on.
The tattoo is prominently displayed on the middle-right side of his chest.
Platner issued a statement to POLITICO, confirming his decision to have the tattoo removed and dismissing any Nazi associations.
“It was not until I started hearing from reporters and DC insiders that I realized this tattoo resembled a Nazi symbol,” he explained.
“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. I am already planning to get this removed.”
Platner, who completed four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, mentioned he got the tattoo nearly two decades ago while drinking with fellow Marines in Croatia.
“I enlisted in the Army which involved a full physical that examines tattoos for hate symbols. I also passed a full background check to receive a security clearance to join the Ambassador to Afghanistan’s security detail,” he stated.
This situation arises as Platner addresses prior social media posts from 2013 to 2021.
He had made offensive comments on Reddit, describing himself as a ‘communist,’ among other contentious statements.
Platner addressed these issues on Pod Save America.
“That was me trying to get a rise out of people on the Internet,” he commented. “Those weren’t even reflective of my opinions back then.”