Ron Klain, who served as former President Joe Biden's chief of staff from 2021 to 2023, is facing intense criticism after defending Maine Senate Democratic nominee Graham Platner's explanation for a disputed Nazi-linked tattoo. The controversy has engulfed the campaign just weeks before the general election.

Platner has denied that his tattoo — identified by multiple people familiar with the candidate as an SS skull-and-crossbones design (Totenkopf) — was intended as a Nazi symbol, saying instead it was meant to honor fallen comrades from his military service in Afghanistan. The candidate has since covered the tattoo.

Klain engaged with the Republican Jewish Coalition after the group posted on Instagram condemning Platner and calling on Democrats to withdraw their support.

What the Left Is Saying

Supporters of Klain and Platner argue that the controversy represents a partisan attack designed to undermine a Democratic candidate in a competitive Senate race. Klain wrote: 'This is just a partisan attack. The tattoo was a skull and crossbones to remember his fallen comrades from his service in Afghanistan.'

Some progressive commentators have echoed this framing, suggesting that Republican opponents are weaponizing the issue for political gain rather than addressing genuine concerns about antisemitism.

Columnist Alex Zeldin wrote: 'You do not have to debase yourself for Platner. Pick your values over partisanship. Focus on other elections. This man is not worth your self-respect,' suggesting internal Democratic divisions over how to handle the candidate's controversies.

During his victory speech following the primary, Platner addressed the controversy directly, saying: 'Redemption is not just some simple or easy destination. It's a journey. I've made mistakes in my life, mistakes that I regret, that I live with, that I continue to learn from and I'm still far from perfect.'

What the Right Is Saying

Critics across the political right have condemned Klain's defense as a whitewashing of Nazi imagery. The Republican Jewish Coalition posted: 'Here's former Biden WH Chief of Staff, and @Airbnb Chief Legal Officer, Ron Klain whitewashing Graham Platner's Nazi SS Totenkopf tattoo. This, after hosting a fundraiser for Platner last week.'

Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman wrote: 'What has become of us when prominent Jews defend Nazi sympathizers? I am disgusted. Ex-Biden chief Ron Klain defends Graham Platner's Nazi tattoo.'

Hudson Institute adjunct fellow Josh Block said: 'This is a disgusting lie from Ron Klain and @Airbnb should be deeply concerned someone this dishonest is working for the company in a sensitive role.'

Republican communicator Matt Whitlock posted: 'It was NOT to honor his fallen comrades, which is wildly manipulative lie.'

Prager University contributor Shabbos Kestenbaum wrote: 'The fact that a Biden WH Chief of Staff Democrat is comfortable downplaying a Nazi tattoo from a different Democrat tells you everything you need to know about today's Democrats.'

What the Numbers Show

Multiple sources have reported details surrounding Platner's controversies. Ex-girlfriends have alleged Platner referred to his tattoo as 'my Totenkopf' because of his belief that his unit shared similarities with Nazi SS paramilitary forces, according to reports.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer continues to endorse Platner and has not revoked support despite the controversy — a point highlighted by Antisemitism Watch founder Trish Posner: 'Worse: the highest-ranking elected Jewish official in the U.S., Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, still endorses Platner and has refused to revoke his support.'

Klain was appointed to serve on the United States Holocaust Memorial Council — the presidentially appointed board overseeing the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum — by President Joe Biden in January 2025 before President Donald Trump removed him nearly four months later.

Platner is seeking to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a race that could influence control of the Senate.

The Bottom Line

The controversy surrounding Platner's tattoo and Klain's defense of it highlights ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party about how to handle candidates with controversial backgrounds. It also underscores the sensitivity around Nazi imagery in American political discourse.

Klain's involvement is notable given his position on the Holocaust Memorial Council, which critics say makes his defense particularly troubling. Airbnb has not publicly addressed the criticism directed at its chief legal officer.

Fox News Digital reached out to Ron Klain, Airbnb, and Graham Platner for comment but had not received responses at time of publication.