Dems silent on progressive candidate’s Nazi-style tattoo after knocking Hegseth for Christian symbol
In an intriguing twist of political scrutiny, prominent Democrats who previously criticized Secretary of War Pete Hegseth for his tattoos featuring crusader symbolism are now notably silent regarding Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, who sports a tattoo resembling a Nazi “Totenkopf” symbol. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Tammy Duckworth were vocal in their condemnation of Hegseth’s tattoos, particularly a Jerusalem cross and the Latin phrase “Deus Vult” (meaning “God wills it”), which they associated with Christian nationalism and right-wing extremism. During Hegseth’s confirmation hearings, Warren expressed concern over the implications of such tattoos, questioning his suitability for a position of significant authority within the U.S. military.
In stark contrast, when Fox News Digital reached out to Warren and Duckworth for comments on Platner’s controversial tattoo, both senators refrained from responding. Platner, a Marine veteran and a progressive candidate backed by figures like Senator Bernie Sanders, has faced backlash after revealing that he has a tattoo resembling the Nazi “death’s head” symbol, which he claimed was inked during a night of revelry in Croatia in 2007. He has since attempted to distance himself from the tattoo’s historical connotations, stating that he was unaware of its significance at the time and has since covered it with a different design. Despite the controversy, Sanders has publicly defended Platner, emphasizing his commitment to progressive values and downplaying media inquiries about the tattoo as distractions from more pressing issues.
The juxtaposition of reactions from Democratic leaders raises questions about the consistency of their stances on symbols associated with hate and extremism. While Hegseth faced intense scrutiny and calls for accountability due to his tattoos, Platner’s case appears to be met with a more lenient response from the same political figures. This disparity highlights the complexities of political endorsements and the potential ramifications of personal choices in the public eye. As the race for the Senate heats up in Maine, the scrutiny surrounding Platner’s tattoo may become a pivotal issue, testing the boundaries of political support and the expectations of candidates in addressing their pasts.
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Prominent Democrats who were highly critical of Secretary of War
Pete Hegseth’s
tattoos with crusader symbolism are now keeping silent on a progressive Senate candidate who had a Nazi-style symbol tattooed to his chest.
Sen.
Elizabeth Warren
, D-Mass., and Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., criticized Hegseth for his tattoos, one of which is a Jerusalem cross and another with the Latin phrase “Deus Vult” (God wills it), both of which are associated with the crusades and ancient Christian symbolism.
Following their comments against Hegseth, Fox News Digital reached out to Warren and Duckworth for comment on the ongoing controversy over Maine Senate Democratic candidate
Graham Platner
having a “Totenkopf,” Nazi “death’s head” symbol tattooed to his chest.
Warren has previously expressed enthusiasm for Platner’s candidacy, telling
Politico
, “I’m excited to see new people enter the race for the Senate … particularly those who have a strong voice they’re willing to use on behalf of people who are often ignored in the U.S. Senate.”
ARE PETE HEGSETH’S TATTOOS SYMBOLS OF ‘CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM’?
Fox News Digital asked whether Warren and Duckworth condemn Platner because of the tattoo and whether they believe he should drop out of the race. Neither immediately responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
During Hegseth’s confirmation hearings, Warren sent him an extensive letter, in which, among other issues, she expressed concern about his “Deus Vult” tattoo.
“You were also removed from President Biden’s inauguration because of concerns that you were an insider threat after reports that your
‘Deus Vult’ tattoo
‘was a Christian expression associated with right-wing extremism,’” Warren wrote. “We cannot have a Defense Secretary whose fellow servicemembers feel concerned enough about to report as a potential insider threat.”
Democrats have continued to give Hegseth a hard time over the tattoos. During a hearing in June, Duckworth accused Hegseth of “blowing through money like my fellow cadets and I did in our first liberty after basic camp. Luckily, I didn’t end up with a questionable tattoo.”
‘MAINE’S MAMDANI’: MAINE GOP CHIEF ISSUES WARNING ABOUT NEW CHALLENGER LOOKING TO OUST SUSAN COLLINS
Platner, a Marine veteran and progressive endorsed by the likes of Sen.
Bernie Sanders
, I-Vt., has garnered widespread criticism over a skull-and-crossbones tattoo on his chest that strongly resembles the Totenkopf symbol used by Hitler’s SS forces.
After the controversy erupted, Platner said he got the tattoo in 2007 during a “night of drinking” while on leave in Croatia in the Marine Corps and claimed he did not know its historical associations at the time. He has
since covered the image
with another tattoo of dogs.
In a video posted to Instagram Wednesday afternoon, Platner elaborated that the design was chosen from a flash tattoo wall while “carousing” with fellow Marines in Split, Croatia.
“We thought it looked cool,” he said.
MAINE DEM SENATE HOPEFUL BACKED BY BERNIE SANDERS APOLOGIZES FOR NAZI-STYLE TATTOO, VOWS TO STAY IN RACE
He claimed he had “lived a life dedicated to anti-fascism, anti-racism and anti-Nazism” and was “appalled” to learn it resembled a hate symbol.
A spokesperson for Sanders shared an
Axios interview
with the senator in which he said, “I’m not overly impressed by a squad of media running around saying, ‘What do you think about the tattoo on Graham Platner’s chest'” and “between you and me there might be one or two more important issues.”
The spokesperson also shared another statement from Sanders in which he said of Platner, “I personally think he is an excellent candidate. I’m going to support him, and I look forward to him becoming the next senator in the state of Maine”
Fox News Digital also reached out to Sanders and Platner’s campaign for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering US Politics news.
