Tucker Carlson Defends Graham Platner's Tattoo and Critiques GOP

Tucker Carlson, in a podcast interview on June 19, 2026, defended Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner regarding his Nazi tattoo, which has drawn criticism from Republicans. Carlson stated that rather than focusing on Platner's political positions, critics have labeled him a Nazi due to the tattoo, which he claimed was not a swastika but connected to the German military. Carlson suggested that the attacks on Platner stem from his insufficient support for Israel. Several women, including an ex-girlfriend, have claimed that Platner was aware of the tattoo's meaning, while Platner's campaign maintains that he chose the tattoo to commemorate his experiences in Ramadi and has since covered it up. In the same interview, Carlson expressed his disillusionment with the Republican Party, stating he no longer shares their values and has permanently split from the party.