Former President Joe Biden’s chief of staff, Ron Klain, is facing fierce pushback online after defending Maine Senate Democratic nominee Graham Platner’s Nazi-linked tattoo. Klain attempted to explain away the Democrat’s disputed ink, sparking a fight with the Republican Jewish Coalition on Instagram.

Controversy Surrounding Platner’s Tattoo

Platner has denied the tattoo was intended as a Nazi symbol, even as multiple people familiar with the candidate have identified it as an SS skull-and-crossbones design, which he has since covered. Klain claimed the tattoo was a skull and crossbones to remember Platner’s fallen comrades from his service in Afghanistan.

Critics argued Klain’s defense reflected a broader unwillingness among Democrats to distance themselves from Platner amid the growing controversy. The exchange ignited a firestorm on social media, with many calling out Klain for his response. Several of Platner’s ex-girlfriends have alleged the embattled nominee referred to his tattoo as ‘my Totenkopf’ because of his belief that his unit shared similarities to the Nazi SS paramilitary forces.

During his victory speech, Platner acknowledged the controversy that has followed him while on the campaign trail, stating ‘Redemption is not just some simple or easy destination. It’s a journey.’ Platner’s campaign has been marred by multiple controversies, including Reddit posts detailing his past inflammatory comments and accusations of physical misconduct.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.