Graham Platner Faces Criticism Over Controversial Tattoo

A senior Democrat from the House of Representatives has joined the voices criticizing Senate candidate Graham Platner for his contentious tattoo. The tattoo is reported to have Nazi origins. Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., voiced skepticism about Platner’s claim of ignorance regarding the tattoo’s history. In a statement reported by Punchbowl News, Schneider remarked, “There’s no way he didn’t know what the tattoo was. Own it and move on.” Schneider noted that Platner has not shown willingness to do so.

Platner’s candidacy for the Senate has drawn scrutiny beyond the tattoo issue. Reports include sending explicit messages, a record of offensive social media posts, and alleged abusive behavior in personal relationships. Schneider is among the highest-profile Democrats to challenge Platner, who aims to unseat current Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine, in a heated upcoming election.

The New York Times revealed that several of Platner’s former partners claimed he knew about the tattoo’s Nazi association. Lyndsey Fifield, one of these former partners, recounted Platner discussing the tattoo. She stated he referred to it as “my Totenkopf,” a term associated with Nazi SS forces. Fifield alleged that Platner would joke about the tattoo’s Nazi connection, suggesting a connection between his military unit and the SS paramilitary forces.

Platner denied these claims in an interview with Chris Hayes on MS NOW. When asked about text messages sent by Fifield that mentioned the tattoo, his response was uncertain. Platner could not explain how Fifield recognized the Nazi connection before he publicly addressed it. He maintained that he was unaware of the message’s content.

Fifield also accused Platner of assault during their relationship, but Platner firmly denied this allegation. The tattoo became a significant campaign issue in late 2025, prompting Platner to cover it up, though he had worn it for nearly 20 years since acquiring it in Croatia in 2007.

Schneider noted difficulties in supporting Platner. He expressed relief that he does not have to vote on this matter if he were in Maine. “I’ll leave it to the people of Maine to elect who they want,” Schneider stated.

Moreover, other Democrats, like Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., and Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., have criticized Platner’s statements regarding the tattoo. Fetterman remarked on CNN, “All I’m saying is when I was growing up, if someone had a clear Nazi tattoo on them, you probably could conclude that they’re a Nazi sympathizer.” These remarks reflect broader disapproval among party members.

Schneider’s New Democrat Coalition, with over 100 members, is the largest Democratic caucus in the House.

Fox News Digital contacted Platner’s campaign for comments before publishing this report.