Category: Nation

Veterans face significant fraud risks, with reported losses reaching $419 million in 2024 as scammers exploit military records and VA data. Here’s how veterans can protect themselves.

This Memorial Day, while the nation honors its fallen heroes, a different kind of activity is taking place. Scammers are actively searching for military records, cross-referencing VA enrollment data, and mapping disability ratings to build detailed profiles of veterans. This is not merely a side hustle; it has evolved into a full-fledged industry targeting those who have served the country.

Veterans are uniquely vulnerable to these scams due to the nature of their service. The information generated during military service is extensive and often semi-public, making it easy for fraudsters to exploit. When a veteran serves, they receive a DD-214, the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, which contains critical personal information. This document includes full name, Social Security number (on older forms), dates of service, character of discharge, job specialty codes, awards and decorations, and last duty station.

Veterans often submit their DD-214 to various agencies, employers, and financial institutions over the years, leading to copies being stored in more databases than they might realize. Scammers do not need to hack into systems; they simply pull information from public records requests, digitized government filings, and third-party aggregators. Once this data enters the broker ecosystem, it can be bought and sold, often ending up in the hands of fraudsters.

The statistics are alarming. According to the Federal Trade Commission’s 2024 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book, military consumers—including veterans, service members, and their families—reported a staggering $584 million in fraud losses in 2024, marking a nearly 25% increase from the previous year. Veterans and retirees accounted for the largest share of these losses, totaling $419 million, with a median loss of $700, surpassing the median loss of $497 across all FTC complaints.

AARP’s 2025 research adds another layer of concern, revealing that 27% of veterans—over 5 million individuals—have fallen victim to fraud. Additionally, 39% of veterans reported receiving solicitations from individuals claiming to represent the VA or other government agencies, while 28% believe their veteran status has made them a target for scams.

The VA has issued warnings about the increasing targeting of veterans due to their government benefits and personal information. Common scams include impersonation of government officials, direct deposit fraud, phishing, identity theft, payment redirection, and social media scams. The evidence is clear: veterans are not randomly targeted; scammers exploit their benefits and established trust with the VA to make their schemes more believable.

From a scammer’s perspective, the process begins with a simple search. By entering a veteran’s name into websites like Spokeo, BeenVerified, or Whitepages, they can quickly access personal details such as age, home address, phone numbers, and even military affiliation. This information confirms the target’s identity and allows the scammer to craft a convincing pitch.

VA benefit enrollment information is not entirely private. Mailing addresses linked to VA correspondence and participation in VA programs create public footprints that data brokers can exploit. These brokers package “military consumer” and “veterans” audience segments, selling them to marketers and, in some cases, directly to fraudsters.

Scammers often build their pitches around military benefits. For instance, a veteran with VA disability enrollment might receive a call about a fake “benefits upgrade,” while an older veteran could be targeted by a pension-poaching scheme. Recently discharged veterans may encounter fraudulent offers related to the GI Bill or education benefits. The danger lies in the scammer’s ability to sound official, as they often possess enough personal information to instill trust.

Some of the most prevalent scams targeting veterans include impersonation calls from individuals claiming to be from the Department of Veterans Affairs. These callers may assert that a veteran’s benefits are under review, upgraded, or suspended, prompting them to “verify” personal information. The VA does not initiate calls to veterans asking for sensitive information. If you receive such a call, it is crucial to hang up and contact the VA directly.

Another sophisticated scam involves “financial advisors” or “veterans benefits consultants” who promise to help veterans maximize their VA pension or Aid and Attendance benefits for a fee. These services can cost between $5,000 and $20,000 and often lead to detrimental financial consequences, such as triggering Medicaid penalties. The VA explicitly prohibits charging fees for assistance with claims, and anyone doing so is likely committing fraud.

Veterans transitioning out of the military are also prime targets for fraudulent educational institutions that promise quick training and job placement using GI Bill benefits. Reports have highlighted significant fraud cases, such as the Retail Ready Career Center in Texas, which defrauded the VA of $72 million, and the House of Prayer Bible College in Georgia, which ran a $22 million scheme over 11 years. These predatory schools actively target veterans, and oversight failures have allowed such fraud to persist.

Scammers may also contact veterans claiming they have been approved for new grants or cost-of-living adjustments, requesting bank account information for direct deposits. It is essential to recognize that there are no unclaimed VA grants requiring personal banking details over the phone. This tactic is a form of bank account takeover scam disguised in patriotic language.

To combat these threats, veterans should actively monitor their personal information. Conduct a search on data broker sites to see what information is publicly available. Each major data broker is legally required to honor removal requests, but the process can be cumbersome as there are many brokers with varying opt-out procedures. Regularly checking these sites and removing personal information can significantly reduce exposure to scams.

Additionally, veterans should inform family members about potential scams and establish a code word for emergencies to prevent fraudsters from exploiting panic. Reporting VA impersonation to the VA Office of Inspector General and pension scams to the FTC can also help build cases against fraud rings.

The people who served this country deserve better than to spend their retirement years watching for criminals. Military discharge records, VA enrollment details, and disability information can expose veterans in ways many families may not realize. Scammers use this data to sound credible, impersonating the VA and pushing fake benefit upgrades that can quickly drain savings.

This Memorial Day, one of the best ways to honor veterans is to help make it harder for scammers to target them. By taking proactive steps to protect personal information and staying informed about potential scams, veterans can safeguard themselves and their families from fraud.

For more information on how to protect yourself, visit CyberGuy.com.

Combat veterans and Republican senators are condemning Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner for derogatory remarks about soldiers and mocking a Purple Heart recipient.

Combat veterans and Republican senators are vocally criticizing Graham Platner, a Democratic Senate candidate, following the resurfacing of his derogatory comments about the Army and a mocking remark aimed at a soldier who was awarded the Purple Heart after being shot multiple times in combat.

Holland “Ricky” White, a Vietnam War veteran who served with the Army’s 173rd Airborne Brigade, expressed his outrage in an interview with Fox News Digital. “I am a decorated veteran, and people need to understand what serving in the Army cost me: congestive heart failure, bilateral hearing loss, COPD, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, and PTSD,” White said. “I understand ridicule better than most. I was ridiculed not only as a Vietnam veteran but as a Black man as well.” He continued, “I lost friends over there, and it still hurts to talk about them. I often ask God, ‘Why did You spare me and not my friends?’ I believe God wasn’t done with me when I came home, and that’s why I continue trying to make a difference today.” White concluded, “That is why comments like Graham’s are so offensive.”

The backlash against Platner has intensified amid a growing controversy surrounding his deleted Reddit account as he campaigns to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in the closely watched 2026 Senate race in Maine. Platner has heavily relied on his military background to appeal to voters, but the resurfaced posts threaten to undermine his campaign, as they include slurs, an embrace of socialism, and harsh criticism of the armed forces.

One of Platner’s most controversial posts dates back to 2019, where he harshly criticized a soldier who had been shot multiple times by the Taliban in 2012. “Dumb motherf—er didn’t deserve to live. At least his stupidity and fat a– wheezing are available for all future infantrymen to witness and hold in contempt,” Platner wrote in response to combat footage shared by another user. The video in question featured U.S. Army veteran Ted Daniels, who was shot four times and subsequently awarded the Purple Heart.

Steve, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan who has garnered a significant social media following, expressed his disgust at Platner’s remarks. “As a Purple Heart recipient myself – having been wounded for my country – I find his comments to be especially vile,” he stated. “Mocking a fellow American that took enemy fire to protect his squad shows a lack of basic understanding of brotherhood and selfless service.” Steve requested anonymity for privacy reasons.

Platner’s disdain for the Army is evident in his deleted posts. In April 2019, he wrote, “I spent another 4 in the Army after the Corps, and while I was very lucky to serve in some sh–t hot units with good dudes, as a whole the organization is absolute trash. Full of fat, lazy trash who would rather not be in uniform.”

Bill Brown, a retired Navy SEAL who served in Iraq, condemned Platner’s comments, stating, “A Senator who calls soldiers ‘trash’ and mocks a man’s Purple Heart has shown who he really is. A Senator votes to send soldiers to war, confirms the generals who lead them, and funds the equipment that protects them. Platner’s own words in his deleted post prove he can’t be trusted to do right by those that protect us.”

Kate Monroe, CEO of VETCOMM and a Marine Corps veteran, added, “Being a veteran does not make someone honorable. Honor is how you carry yourself, how you treat others, and how you speak about those who served beside you. In this case, the uniform may have been earned, but respect clearly was not.”

John Rourke, a retired Army staff sergeant who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom, echoed Monroe’s sentiments, stating that Platner’s mockery does not make him “edgy or tough” but rather “a disgrace to the uniform.”

Some of Platner’s potential future colleagues in the Senate, who also have military backgrounds, have condemned his remarks. Senator Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, remarked, “As a combat veteran, I’ve seen the cost of war up close. I’ve watched brave Americans come home with wounds, visible and invisible, that they’ll carry for the rest of their lives. Mocking servicemembers for getting wounded or killed is absolutely despicable. These are our brothers and sisters, people who volunteered to put everything on the line for this country.” Ernst has 23 years of service in the Army Reserve and Iowa Army National Guard, including a command role in Kuwait during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Senator Tom Cotton, R-Ark., also criticized Platner, stating, “Platner’s comments about American servicemembers are disgraceful, but it’s what we should expect from a communist with a Nazi tattoo.” Cotton served as an Army infantry officer with combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Senator Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., a retired Navy SEAL, expressed skepticism about the support Platner might receive from fellow Democrats, saying, “Let’s see the courageous Democrat vets defend this one … can’t wait to hear it.” Meanwhile, the offices of some Democratic veterans in the Senate did not respond to requests for comment regarding Platner’s remarks.

The Platner campaign also did not respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital regarding the controversy.

Senator Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, a Marine Corps veteran who served in Afghanistan, emphasized the importance of loyalty among service members, stating, “The motto and ethos of the Marine Corps is Semper Fidelis – always faithful. This means fidelity to Marines and fellow service members. This guy has failed that test.”

The fallout from Platner’s comments continues to unfold as he navigates a challenging political landscape in his bid for the Senate.

According to Fox News Digital, the controversy surrounding Platner’s remarks has sparked significant backlash from both veterans and political figures alike.

Pia Dandiya has officially shifted her Congressional campaign from Florida’s 21st District to the newly configured 22nd District, aiming to become the first South Asian American elected to Congress from Florida.

Pia Dandiya, a former high school principal and technology manager, is making a significant move in her political career by officially shifting her campaign to Florida’s newly configured 22nd Congressional District.

Transitioning from her initial bid in the 21st District, Dandiya enters an open race focused on middle-class economic stability, reduced living costs, and increased investments in public education.

If elected, Dandiya would make history as the first South Asian American to represent Florida in Congress, a notable achievement for a state with a rapidly growing South Asian population.

Dandiya’s candidacy is bolstered by her background as a first-generation Indian American. Born and raised in Palm Beach County, her experiences were shaped by her immigrant parents, who came to the United States from India in search of better opportunities.

Before launching her campaign, Dandiya dedicated her early years to community service, spending summers during her undergraduate studies teaching English to children in the slums of New Delhi. This experience deepened her commitment to educational equity.

Currently residing in Palm Beach County with her husband and son, Dandiya began her professional career as a teacher in low-income schools, where she successfully helped over 90% of her students achieve state proficiency marks.

At just 28 years old, Dandiya founded a charter high school in Harlem, New York, becoming one of the youngest principals in the country. Under her leadership, the school became one of the highest-performing institutions in New York state, with 100% of its graduates gaining college admission, despite 86% of the student body living below the poverty line.

Her career trajectory continued to rise as she served as a White House Fellow, where she worked directly within the Domestic Policy Council and the Department of Education.

Following her fellowship, Dandiya transitioned to the private sector, leading public sector initiatives at Apple. In this role, she collaborated with state leaders to modernize public education, healthcare, and government systems.

Dandiya’s congressional platform directly addresses the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. She advocates for policies aimed at curbing inflation on essential items such as gas and groceries, lowering healthcare costs through negotiated prescription drug prices, and implementing universal pre-K programs.

Her agenda also emphasizes the need for increased public school funding, expanded vocational and trade programs, and the protection of Social Security and Medicare.

In the wake of a mid-decade redistricting plan approved by Governor Ron DeSantis, the newly drawn 22nd District has emerged as a crucial swing seat in South Florida.

With a formal endorsement from Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried and a campaign war chest of $1.17 million in cash on hand, Dandiya enters the primary contest as a prominent front-runner.

According to The American Bazaar, Dandiya’s campaign reflects her commitment to addressing the needs of her community and advocating for policies that support economic stability and educational equity.

Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner faces scrutiny over crude comments about prostitution and infidelity made on his now-deleted Reddit account, raising concerns among voters and party officials.

Graham Platner, the presumptive Democratic nominee for Senate in Maine, is under fire for controversial remarks made on his now-deleted Reddit account. These comments include discussions about prostitution and defending men who cheat on their spouses while abroad, which have resurfaced amid his campaign against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins.

In posts dating back to 2012 and 2019, Platner made references to both Thai and Latin American prostitution. In one notable April 2012 post, he responded to concerns about the exploitation of women in Colombia by saying, “You don’t have much experience with Latin American hookers, do you?” This comment was made in response to another user who expressed alarm over the realities of sex work in the region.

While the comments do not indicate that Platner engaged the services of sex workers, they do reflect a pattern of crude and hyperbolic language. This has become increasingly problematic for Platner as he seeks to unseat Collins, especially following the emergence of other inflammatory posts where he disparaged the U.S. Army, calling it “full of fat, lazy trash,” and mocked Ted Daniels, a former Army infantryman and Purple Heart recipient.

On the same day he made his remarks about “Latin American hookers,” Platner defended men who cheat on their partners while overseas. He wrote, “I’ve heard that idiotic sentiment made within the confines of the military. ‘If you can’t remain faithful to your wife, how can you remain faithful to your comrades?’ Well, I have many good buddies who lied and cheated with women, and yet were straight shooting hard men when it came to their work.” He further dismissed the criticism as a viewpoint held by “moral relativists” who needed something to complain about.

In a later post from 2019, Platner continued to discuss prostitution, suggesting that service members could avoid federal income tax by spending their leave “banging hookers in Thailand instead of getting b—-ed at by the wife back home.” This comment appeared to reference a tax strategy utilized by some government contractors who spend more than 330 days outside the United States to evade federal income tax.

Platner’s online history has raised alarms among Maine voters, prompting some Democrats to distance themselves from him. National Republican Senatorial Committee press secretary Bernadette Breslin remarked that “Graham Platner’s moral depravity has alarmed Maine voters,” highlighting the potential impact of his past comments on his campaign.

In response to the backlash, Platner has attributed his online behavior to psychological trauma from his combat deployments and the “crude humor” he encountered while serving as a Marine. He expressed regret for his past comments, stating, “I’m sorry for this. Just know that it’s not reflective at all of who I am.” Platner urged voters not to judge him based on “the dumbest thing I ever wrote on the internet,” but rather on the person he is today.

The Platner campaign did not respond to a request for comment regarding the resurfaced posts. The Reddit account in question, “P-Hustle,” has been confirmed by Platner as his own, and the comments have been compiled into a searchable database by the Maine Monitor.

As the election approaches, Platner’s controversial online history continues to be a significant liability in his bid for the Senate seat, raising questions about his suitability for public office and the potential impact on his campaign.

According to Fox News, the scrutiny surrounding Platner’s past comments may influence voter perceptions as he seeks to challenge an incumbent in a competitive race.

Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner faces backlash after resurfaced Reddit posts reveal derogatory comments about the Army and wounded veterans, raising concerns in his campaign against incumbent Sen. Susan Collins.

Graham Platner, the presumptive Democratic nominee for Senate in Maine, has come under fire for derogatory comments he made about the United States Army in now-deleted Reddit posts. In these posts, Platner described the Army as “absolute trash” and “full of fat, lazy trash who would rather not be in uniform.”

The comments, which date back to 2019, included a particularly harsh critique of Army veteran Teddy Daniels, who was awarded the Purple Heart after being shot by the Taliban. Platner referred to Daniels as a “dumb motherf—er” who “didn’t deserve to live,” igniting significant controversy as he campaigns to unseat Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins.

Platner, who served in the Marine Corps and the Maryland Army National Guard with multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, has expressed a mix of admiration and criticism for the Army. He acknowledged that while there are “some solid light infantry, reconnaissance, and SOF units that are s— hot,” he believes the organization as a whole is lacking in the “warrior ethos and leadership obsession” found in the Marine Corps.

“The Army does things differently, and as a whole, they do things much worse,” Platner wrote in March 2019. His comments have resurfaced at a critical time in his Senate campaign, where they have become a focal point for opponents and critics alike.

In a 2013 post, Platner emphasized the importance of internal criticism within the armed forces, stating, “Civilians can be as dumb f–k ret—ed as they want, but WE have a duty to be brutally honest.” However, his recent remarks have drawn ire from fellow veterans, who argue that such comments are inappropriate and disrespectful.

Adam Schwarze, a former Navy SEAL and Marine veteran running for Senate as a Republican in Minnesota, criticized Platner’s remarks, saying, “We don’t make jokes about our brothers and sisters dying, that’s not something we do, that’s not normal.”

In response to the backlash, Platner has expressed regret for his past comments, stating, “I’m sorry for this. Just know that it’s not reflective at all of who I am.” He urged voters not to judge him solely based on his past online behavior, but rather on the person he is today.

Platner’s controversial statements extend beyond Reddit. In a podcast interview earlier this year, he implied that deceased Navy SEAL Chris Kyle may have inflated his kill count by being less discriminating in his fire. He has also criticized Navy SEALs while praising Army Rangers, further complicating his standing among military communities.

National Republican Senatorial Committee press secretary Bernadette Breslin condemned Platner’s comments, stating, “Graham Platner’s vicious attacks on wounded service members and open contempt for the Army are disgusting and disqualifying.” She added that the more information that comes to light about Platner, the more difficult it becomes for his Democratic allies, including prominent figures like Elizabeth Warren, to support him.

As the campaign progresses, Platner’s past comments are likely to remain a significant issue, potentially impacting his chances against Collins in the upcoming election. The scrutiny surrounding his remarks highlights the challenges candidates face when their past statements resurface, particularly in a politically charged environment.

According to The Washington Free Beacon, the controversy surrounding Platner’s comments has raised questions about his suitability for office and the implications of his views on military service.

Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner faces backlash over controversial Reddit posts, which he attributes to PTSD from his military service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Graham Platner, the presumptive Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Maine, is under scrutiny following the resurfacing of controversial posts he made on Reddit. The 41-year-old Marine Corps veteran has faced significant backlash for statements related to race, sexuality, and political violence, as well as for expressing his ideological beliefs.

In response to the criticism, Platner has attributed his past online behavior to depression and PTSD stemming from his combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. He explained that during his time as an infantryman, he became accustomed to using “crude humor” and “offensive language.” “I’m sorry for this. Just know that it’s not reflective at all of who I am,” Platner stated regarding his previous comments. “I don’t want you to judge me on the dumbest thing I ever wrote on the internet. I would prefer if people could judge me on the person I am today.”

Although Platner no longer uses the Reddit username “p-Hustle,” many of his deleted posts and comments have been archived and made accessible by various media outlets, including the Maine Monitor. This has reignited criticism of his campaign as he seeks to unseat incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins and flip the Maine Senate seat to the Democratic Party.

Some of Platner’s old Reddit posts reflect a progressive stance on issues of race, yet they also include troubling comments. For instance, in August 2013, he wrote, “Why don’t black people tip?” in response to a question about race on the AskReddit forum. He elaborated that, as a bartender, he found the stereotype to be “solid,” noting that while some black patrons tipped well, many did not.

Platner’s posts also included derogatory language aimed at homosexuals and individuals with disabilities. In one now-deleted comment on a firearms subreddit, he wrote, “Betcha not a single downvoter is a real combat vet. Feel free to back it up with facts, f–s.” He used slurs targeting the mentally disabled at least 18 times between 2013 and 2021, including a comment that read, “If you believe that, it’s pretty clear you’re, in fact, a r-tard.”

Despite his use of offensive language, Platner has also expressed support for LGBTQ+ rights. He advocated for greater acceptance of homosexuals in the military, acknowledging the struggles faced by gay service members. “Just know this: I can’t imagine how much it must suck not being able to share who you are with the people who are supposed to be your comrades,” he wrote in a supportive comment to a fellow Marine officer.

In a September 2020 post, Platner commented on a discussion about racism, stating, “Living in white rural America, I’m afraid to tell you they actually are,” referring to the racist attitudes he observed among the population he now seeks to represent in Congress. Maine is noted for being the whitest state in the U.S., with approximately 91.3% of its population identified as non-Hispanic white, according to the Census Bureau.

Platner has also made statements suggesting that the public only cares about certain crimes when they involve white victims. He remarked on gun violence, saying, “It’s pretty absurd no one ever talks about that, although I’m assuming it’s because handguns mostly kill young black men. Nobody really gives a s–t about things until it’s well spoken white kids getting hurt.”

His past posts reveal a complex relationship with political ideologies. Platner expressed support for Marxism, which could pose challenges in a moderate state like Maine. In November 2021, he stated, “I got older and became a communist,” on an anti-work subreddit. He also claimed to be a member of the Socialist Rifle Association, a leftist organization focused on firearms education, and described himself as a “vegetable-growing, psychedelics-taking socialist.”

In a particularly alarming comment from September 2013, Platner suggested that violence might be necessary against political opponents. “There are times in this world when, for the good of tolerance and humanity, you need to kill a motherf—er,” he wrote, responding to a post about anti-fascist protests in Greece.

Platner’s comments have drawn criticism from various quarters, including those who argue that his remarks are disqualifying for a Senate candidate. National Republican Senatorial Committee press secretary Bernadette Breslin stated, “Platner’s perverted and bigoted comments are disqualifying and degrade women, black Americans, the gay community, and even wounded U.S. soldiers. Try as he may, Platner can’t outrun his own words, and Mainers won’t excuse them in November.”

As his campaign progresses, Platner continues to distance himself from the labels he once embraced. “I’m not a communist. I’m not a socialist. I own a small business. I am a Marine Corps veteran,” he told CNN when the posts first resurfaced.

Despite the controversy surrounding his past, Platner remains committed to his Senate bid, seeking to redefine his public image and focus on the issues that matter to Maine voters.

For more details on Platner’s campaign and the fallout from his past comments, refer to Maine Monitor.

Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner faces backlash after a resurfaced Reddit post appears to mock a wounded soldier, raising questions about his fitness for office.

Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Maine, is under fire for a resurfaced Reddit post that seemingly mocks a soldier who was severely injured in combat. The controversy has reignited scrutiny of Platner’s online behavior and its implications for his campaign.

The post in question was made on Platner’s now-deleted Reddit account, which he has confirmed he owned. In June 2019, the account, under the username “P-Hustle,” shared a link to a viral video featuring Pfc. Ted Daniels, who was shot four times by the Taliban during a 2012 engagement. The video, captured from Daniels’ helmet cam, has been widely circulated. The post included derogatory comments about Daniels, stating, “Dumb motherf****** didn’t deserve to live,” and criticized his actions during the firefight.

Daniels, who received a Purple Heart for his injuries, later explained that he deliberately exposed himself to enemy fire to protect his fellow soldiers. While he expressed regret for his tactical decisions, he emphasized his commitment to his unit, stating, “I put my a– on the line for other guys.”

Platner, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with four combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, is facing backlash from various quarters, including the National Republican Senate Committee and military veterans. Adam Schwarze, a former Navy SEAL and Marine veteran running for the Senate as a Republican in Minnesota, criticized Platner’s remarks, stating, “We don’t make jokes about our brothers and sisters dying. That’s not something we do, that’s not normal.” Schwarze acknowledged that while military personnel may share a dark sense of humor in private, mocking a wounded soldier publicly crosses a line.

Schwarze also took issue with other posts from Platner’s account, including one that labeled all police as “bastards.” He argued that such statements misrepresent the views of veterans and could be damaging to the relationship between the military and law enforcement. “I served 21 years, nine deployments, and I don’t know one combat veteran who makes comments like cops are bastards,” he said.

Schwarze expressed concern for Platner’s mental health, suggesting he might be struggling with issues stemming from his military service. “I feel bad for him. I think he should get some help. He deserves help from his time down range, from his PTSD and his mental health issues, but he certainly shouldn’t be running for the United States Senate,” he added.

In response to the backlash, Samantha Cantrell, Regional Press Secretary for the National Republican Senate Committee, stated, “Anyone who makes fun of the American soldiers who gave their lives for freedom and cheers on terrorists has no place serving in the United States Senate.” Journalist Magdi Jacobs, who first highlighted the deleted post on social media, criticized Platner’s lack of empathy, stating, “If they’re not good at killing or broader tactics, he has contempt for them. He displays no empathy. The opposite, in fact.”

When approached for comment, Platner’s campaign defended his past posts, asserting that they were intended as jokes. “You should read the comments in context. It’s very clear I’m joking,” Platner previously told Fox News Digital. He described the posts as “s—posting,” a term used to refer to provocative or humorous comments made online to elicit reactions.

Platner has faced scrutiny for other controversial posts as well, including a 2013 comment suggesting that individuals concerned about sexual assault should avoid getting intoxicated to the point of losing control. He has also been criticized for expressing socialist and communist views in earlier posts and for using alleged homophobic slurs.

Despite the controversies, Platner became the presumptive Democratic nominee after his opponent, two-term Governor Janet Mills, ended her campaign last month, trailing in both polling and fundraising. Platner is set to challenge five-term incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in a closely watched race that could significantly impact the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.

As the campaign progresses, Platner’s past online behavior and the reactions it has provoked will likely continue to be a focal point in discussions about his candidacy and qualifications for office, according to Fox News.