Warren’s Endorsement of Platner Raises Questions Over Contrasting Treatment of Tattoo Controversies

Senator Elizabeth Warren has endorsed Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner despite controversy over his Nazi-linked tattoo, creating a stark contrast with her previous criticism of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Christian body art.

Warren, one of the Senate’s most progressive members, threw her support behind Platner in a video posted to social media last Wednesday, describing him as “the real deal” with “the grit to go against the grain and to fight for what is right.” She added that “the people in Maine are fired up and excited for change.”

When questioned about Platner’s controversies—particularly a chest tattoo resembling a Nazi SS symbol that he has since removed—Warren dismissed concerns. “Look, he has apologized for that, and he’s out there talking to the people of Maine every single day,” she told HuffPost.

The 41-year-old oyster farmer has claimed ignorance about the symbol’s meaning. After the controversy erupted, Platner had the tattoo removed and apologized.

This response stands in marked contrast to Warren’s approach toward Hegseth earlier this year. During his confirmation process for Defense Secretary, Warren questioned Hegseth’s loyalty to the United States based on his Christian tattoos, specifically a Jerusalem Cross and the Latin phrase “Deus Vult” (“God wills it”).

In a 33-page letter to Hegseth, Warren wrote, “We cannot have a Defense Secretary whose fellow servicemembers feel concerned enough about to report as a potential insider threat.” Her criticism referenced an incident during President Biden’s inauguration when a National Guard supervisor removed Hegseth from duty over concerns about his tattoos, despite Hegseth’s distinguished military career that included multiple overseas deployments and two Bronze Stars.

The Maine Senate race has become increasingly contentious. Platner and Governor Janet Mills are competing for the Democratic nomination to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins, who is seeking a sixth term in the traditionally left-leaning New England state.

Mills has launched a blistering attack ad highlighting not only Platner’s tattoo controversy but also controversial comments he made on Reddit about rape over a decade ago. The ad features women calling his remarks “horrible,” “disgusting,” and “disqualifying.” In one 2013 post, which Platner later deleted, he suggested people concerned about rape should not “get so f—ed up they wind up having sex with someone they don’t mean to.”

Platner has since apologized for these posts, stating in a viral video, “For those of you who have read these things and been offended, have read these things and seen someone that you don’t recognize, I am deeply sorry.”

Despite these controversies, recent polls show Platner holding a substantial lead over Mills with less than three months until Maine’s primary. The state’s Senate race is considered crucial for Democrats as they attempt to regain control of the chamber in this year’s midterm elections.

The differing standards Warren has applied to tattoo controversies—scrutinizing Hegseth’s Christian symbols while dismissing concerns about Platner’s Nazi-linked imagery—has raised questions about political consistency as Democrats navigate a competitive primary in a state they view as a potential pickup opportunity.

The outcome of this primary, and ultimately the general election against Collins, could significantly impact the balance of power in Washington as both parties vie for control of the closely divided Senate.