Taya Kyle slams Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner for Chris Kyle remarks

Graham Platner Taya Kyle Chris Kyle Maine Senate political controversy

Taya Kyle, the widow of late Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, condemned Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner for claiming Kyle inflated his kill count and shot civilians. Speaking to Fox News and on "The Sunday Briefing," she called the comments "cowardly" and a "cheap political trick" that harms Gold Star families, especially around Memorial Day.

Platner, a Marine veteran challenging incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins, has faced additional scrutiny for a resurfaced Reddit post mocking a wounded soldier and for previous statements about joining the Marines to "have an adventure and kill some people." He also reportedly bears a tattoo resembling a Nazi SS skull. Former SEAL Robert O'Neill publicly rebuked Platner, saying PTSD is not an excuse for hateful remarks.

Kyle emphasized her husband's legacy and the need to support military families, while urging voters to consider character and integrity in their elected officials.