New Evidence Challenges Graham Platner’s Claims Ignorance of Tattoo’s Nazi Connections | CNN Politics

Graham Platner, a candidate for the Maine Senate, recently claimed he just discovered that his chest tattoo has Nazi origins. However, recent findings suggest otherwise. Investigations reveal that Platner, a Marine veteran, has previously defended Nazi symbols as part of military culture.

In 2019, Platner participated in a Reddit discussion about the “Totenkopf,” a skull-and-crossbones emblem worn by Nazi SS units. He noted that many service members adopted similar imagery, like the Punisher skull used by Navy SEALs. In another discussion from 2020, he described “SS” lightning-bolt tattoos as cultural markers within Marine Scout Sniper units and downplayed their racist implications. He even dismissed concerns about the symbols, stating outsiders don’t understand their context.

Comments from acquaintances raise further doubts about Platner’s claims. One person recalled him jokingly referencing the tattoo as “my Totenkopf” over a decade ago. Another acquaintance confirmed they learned about the tattoo’s implications years before it became publicly known.

Platner got the tattoo during a night out in Croatia while serving in the Marine Corps back in 2007. He now expresses regret, insisting he doesn’t support Nazi ideologies. Following increased scrutiny, he covered up the tattoo.

Research shows that military symbols can sometimes carry heavy historical meanings. The Marine Corps has faced criticism in the past over similar insignia. For instance, in 2012, photos surfaced of Marines in Afghanistan posing with an SS flag, prompting military officials to condemn the use of such symbols.

Experts say that understanding the context of military imagery is complicated. Many service members adopt symbols without recognizing their historical weight. A recent study by the Anti-Defamation League found that a significant number of service personnel are unfamiliar with the Nazi origins of these symbols.

Platner’s story highlights a broader issue: the need for awareness about the historical roots of military symbols. As society evolves, service members and candidates alike should consider the implications their choices carry.



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