Maine Senate Candidate Defends Nazi Tattoo, Claims Jewish Leaders Found Excuse 'Reasonable'

Graham Platner, a Democratic hopeful, previously apologized for the offensive ink but now says it was just a 'skull-and-crossbones' from his military service.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:12pm

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Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner is no longer apologizing for the Nazi-linked tattoo he was caught with last year, claiming that Jewish leaders found his excuse for the tattoo 'eminently reasonable' after he met with them in New York. Platner, who is running for the Democratic nomination, previously apologized for the offensive ink on his chest but is now downplaying the tattoo as just a 'skull-and-crossbones' from his time as a Marine.

Why it matters

Platner's changing stance on the Nazi tattoo raises questions about his judgment and understanding of the symbols he chose to permanently mark his body with. As a political candidate, Platner's past actions and statements are under intense scrutiny, and his ability to effectively represent his constituents could be called into doubt.

The details

Platner has long claimed that he got the tattoo, which resembled a Totenkopf or 'death's head' symbol used by the Nazi SS, while inebriated in Croatia in 2007. He has insisted that he is 'not a secret Nazi' and last fall inked over the tattoo with what he described as a 'Celtic knot with some imagery around dogs.' However, Platner's former confidant previously said that Platner bragged about the Totenkopf tattoo at a DC bar in 2012, saying 'Oh, this is my Totenkopf' in a 'cutesy little way.' Platner was also found to have discussed the Totenkopf in Reddit posts seven years ago, and his former political director claimed that the oyster farmer is 'a military history buff' who 'knows damn well what it means.'

  • Platner got the Nazi-linked tattoo in Croatia in 2007 while inebriated.
  • In 2012, Platner allegedly bragged about the Totenkopf tattoo at a DC bar.
  • In 2019, Platner discussed the Totenkopf symbol in Reddit posts.
  • Last fall, Platner inked over the Nazi tattoo with a 'Celtic knot' design.
  • In March 2026, Platner claimed Jewish leaders found his excuse for the tattoo 'eminently reasonable' after a meeting in New York.

The players

Graham Platner

A Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine who previously apologized for having a Nazi-linked tattoo but is now downplaying it as just a 'skull-and-crossbones' from his military service.

Janet Mills

The current Democratic governor of Maine, who is also running for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat.

Susan Collins

The incumbent Republican U.S. Senator from Maine whom the Democratic nominee will face in the general election.

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What they’re saying

“When I explain the actual story, pretty much everybody's like, again, 'That seems like an eminently reasonable thing.'”

— Graham Platner, Democratic Senate Candidate (Zeteo)

“It was the fighting I took part in, in Iraq, that resulted in me and other machine gunners getting a skull-and-crossbones tattoo. If we want to continue talking about my military service, I'm more than happy to.”

— Graham Platner, Democratic Senate Candidate (Zeteo)

“There is no such thing as an anti-war movie, except maybe 'Come and See.' Everybody should watch 'Come and See'.”

— Graham Platner, Democratic Senate Candidate (Zeteo)

What’s next

The Maine Democratic primary election is scheduled for June 2026, where Platner will face off against Governor Janet Mills for the party's nomination to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in the November general election.

The takeaway

Platner's shifting stance on his Nazi-linked tattoo raises serious concerns about his judgment and understanding of the symbols he chose to permanently mark his body with. As a political candidate, Platner's past actions and statements will continue to face intense scrutiny, and his ability to effectively represent his constituents could be called into question.