The Dem Maine Senate Candidate With Nazi Tattoos Reveals How He ‘Removed’ Them
Posted For: Rotorblade
Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing intense backlash after admitting he has a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol on his chest. The controversy erupted this week after video surfaced showing Platner shirtless, revealing what appears to be a Totenkopf — the skull-and-crossbones emblem used by Hitler’s SS during World War II.
Platner, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, told Pod Save America host Tommy Vietor that the tattoo was the result of a drunken night while he was stationed in Eastern Europe. “I am not a secret Nazi,” Platner said, explaining that he got the tattoo in Croatia while “very inebriated” and that he and his fellow Marines simply chose “a terrifying looking skull and crossbones.”
The video, which Platner’s own campaign reportedly shared in an effort to get ahead of opposition research, was filmed during his brother’s wedding. Platner said he was lip-syncing Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball” when the tattoo became visible.
I’m dying… https://t.co/HrmEqWpgyp
— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) October 22, 2025
the new tattoo https://t.co/mVTM2B6gb8 pic.twitter.com/kTk5RicDLZ
— LB (@beyondreasdoubt) October 22, 2025
Platner, who has been endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, had already faced criticism over resurfaced Reddit posts in which he made offensive remarks about Black people and sexual assault victims.
Republicans quickly seized on the revelations, with the GOP’s Senate campaign arm accusing Platner of sporting a “Nazi tattoo.” The backlash has spread online, sparking a wave of criticism, jokes, and memes mocking the candidate’s explanation.
if the post cover tomorrow isn’t ‘MAINE KAMPF’ I’m gonna be so sad https://t.co/NF0Ovyqb0F
— Logan Dobson (@LoganDobson) October 22, 2025
Obama Bro now defending Nazi tattoos. Absolutely perfect. https://t.co/nqlRhYyHYi
— Joe Concha (@JoeConchaTV) October 22, 2025
Latest requirements for lefty political support:
1. Promise to murder Republican opponents and their children
2. Nazi tattoo
What’s next? pic.twitter.com/hB1VlBLEZ2
— Scott Jennings (@ScottJenningsKY) October 22, 2025
Oops!
Graham Platner…
Nazi tattoo: 2007
Caught with Nazi tattoo: 10/21/25.
Covered up with Celtic tattoo: 10/22/25
18 years walking around with a Nazi tattoo claiming to be anti-fascist…
All they do is lie. pic.twitter.com/R4xpYkipO2
— C3 (@C_3C_3) October 22, 2025
Some liberal commentators have defended Platner. Former MSNBC host Krystal Ball posted on social media, “For me personally, I’ll take a candidate with a regrettable tattoo over one who has steadfastly supported a genocide.” Her comments drew widespread criticism, with many noting that the Totenkopf symbol is directly tied to some of history’s most horrific atrocities.
The controversy has become a political headache for Maine Democrats as the 2025 Senate race intensifies. Meanwhile, President Trump’s supporters have pointed out what they view as a double standard — arguing that if a Republican candidate were found with such a tattoo, the outrage would be far greater.
Do you all like my Steven Seagal tattoo? pic.twitter.com/xaF0sDCb0B
— Magills (@magills_) October 22, 2025
Platner’s campaign has not said whether he plans to remove the tattoo or continue his run for office amid the uproar.
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