Controversy Surrounds Senate Candidate Graham Platner Over Past Comments

Graham Platner, who is running for the U.S. Senate in Maine as the Democratic candidate, faces scrutiny for past remarks about the United States Army. He described the organization as ‘absolute trash’ in a Reddit post, stating it was ‘full of fat, lazy trash who would rather not be in uniform.’ These comments surfaced from his now-deleted Reddit account.

Platner, a veteran of both the Marine Corps and the Maryland Army National Guard, expressed his experiences in the Army during a 2019 post. He acknowledged having served in effective units with good people but criticized the Army’s lack of ‘warrior ethos’ and leadership compared to the Corps. He noted some Army units and doctrines were strong, yet overall, the Army attracted what he considered a lower standard of personnel.

Controversy intensified when other comments from Platner’s account emerged. He criticized wounded Army veteran Teddy Daniels, who had received a Purple Heart, stating Daniels ‘didn’t deserve to live’ due to his battlefield tactics. These remarks add to the challenges Platner faces in his campaign against incumbent Sen. Susan Collins.

Platner, speaking at a town hall in Lewiston, Maine, reiterated his criticism of the Army. Although he mentioned having praise for the Army’s light infantry, reconnaissance, and special operations units, he reiterated his negative stance on the Army’s overall structure.

Platner also acknowledged the importance of internal criticism in the military, stating, ‘WE have a duty to be brutally honest,’ while also wanting civilians to perceive the U.S. military’s capabilities as unmatched.

The resurfaced posts and other derogatory comments from Platner’s Reddit account, once under the name “P-Hustle,” have drawn significant media attention. He apologized for the comments, emphasizing they do not reflect his current views, asking for judgment based on his current self.

In a 2024 podcast, Platner commented on deceased Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, suggesting Kyle inflated his kill count, a remark not well-received by many veterans. He further criticized Navy SEALs while expressing admiration for the Army Rangers.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee has condemned Platner’s comments, with press secretary Bernadette Breslin labeling his remarks as ‘disgusting and disqualifying.’ Questions remain over the support of Democratic figures for Platner’s campaign. Attempts to reach Platner’s campaign for comment were unsuccessful.