Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner has moved to cover a chest tattoo widely recognized as a Nazi symbol, sparking renewed scrutiny of his past statements and raising critical questions about accountability, political viability, and the enduring impact of personal history on public life.
In a significant development for the 2025 Maine U.S. Senate race, Democratic candidate Graham Platner announced Wednesday that he has covered a tattoo on his chest, which has come under fire for its resemblance to a Nazi symbol. The skull and crossbones image, obtained nearly two decades ago, has drawn considerable attention to the first-time political candidate’s past.
The Revelation and Platner’s Response
Platner, an oyster farmer mounting a progressive campaign, explained in an interview that he acquired the tattoo in 2007 while in his 20s and serving in the Marine Corps. He stated it was during a night of drinking on leave in Croatia, and he was “unaware until recently” that the image was associated with Nazi police. The symbol in question is widely understood to resemble the Totenkopf (Death’s Head), a specific insignia of Hitler’s paramilitary Schutzstaffel (SS), notorious for its role in the Holocaust.
Initially, Platner’s campaign indicated he would pursue tattoo removal. However, due to limited options in rural Maine, he opted for a cover-up. “Going to a tattoo removal place is going to take a while,” he told The Associated Press. “I wanted this thing off my body.”
A Candidate’s Past Under the Microscope
The controversy surrounding the tattoo comes on the heels of another recent revelation: Platner’s now-deleted online statements. These posts included remarks dismissing military sexual assaults, questioning Black patrons’ gratuity habits, and criticizing police officers and rural Americans. Platner has since apologized for these comments, attributing them to his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression after leaving the Army in 2012.
Despite the intensifying scrutiny, Platner has firmly resisted calls to drop out of the race. He maintains that confronting his past actions and statements is not a liability but a reflection of his difficult life journey and the lessons learned. “I don’t look at this as a liability,” he stated in an interview. “I look at this as is a life that I have lived, a journey that has been difficult, that has been full of struggle, that has also gotten me to where I am today. And I’m very proud of who I am.”
The Symbol’s Enduring Infamy
The skull and crossbones symbol, specifically the Totenkopf, holds a grim place in history. Originally used by Prussian military units, it was famously adopted by the Nazi SS during World War II, becoming a chilling emblem of their horrific atrocities, including the systematic murder of millions. Its association with such crimes means that its presence, even if unintended, carries significant weight and can trigger strong reactions.
For more on the historical context of Nazi symbols and hate iconography, resources such as the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum offer extensive information.
Political Landscape and Endorsements
Platner’s campaign is challenging Republican Susan Collins, who has held the Senate seat for 30 years. The Democratic primary itself is crowded, notably including two-term Gov. Janet Mills. Despite his recent controversies, Platner has garnered the backing of Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, who has described him as a “stronger candidate” for the seat than Mills.
Questions of Scrutiny and Clearance
Adding to his defense, Platner noted that in the 20 years he had the tattoo, he was never questioned about its connections to Nazi symbols. He highlighted that the tattoo was present when he enlisted in the Army, which mandates examinations for hate symbols. Furthermore, he passed a full background check to receive a security clearance to join the ambassador to Afghanistan’s security detail, suggesting that the symbol’s controversial meaning may not have been flagged in official military contexts he encountered.
The Road Ahead for Platner
As Platner continues his campaign, with a town hall planned Wednesday in Ogunquit, Maine, the ongoing narrative will undoubtedly involve how voters weigh his apologies, his explanations of past actions, and his vision for the future of Maine. The challenges he faces reflect a broader public expectation for transparency and accountability from political figures, especially concerning symbols with deep historical trauma and statements that touch upon sensitive social issues.
