Taya Kyle Condemns Graham Platner’s Comments
Taya Kyle, widow of U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, appeared on ‘The Sunday Briefing’ to discuss Memorial Day and to strongly criticize Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner for his recent remarks. She labeled Platner’s comments as ‘cowardly’ and accused him of using a ‘cheap political trick’ that could harm Gold Star families.
During the show, Kyle emphasized the significant sacrifices made by military members and advocated for support of military marriages. She expressed her anger towards Platner’s claims that her late husband inflated his kill numbers by shooting innocent civilians.
“Nothing says, I want attention more than disparaging a national hero who’s also dead…” Kyle remarked.
Kyle continued to accuse Platner, who is running against incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins, of attempting to connect himself to someone who is ‘beloved’ through dishonest means.
Kyle added, “It is cowardly, it’s lowbrow to lie about somebody else, and it distracts from what you’ve probably said…”
Platner’s Controversial Statements
The comments made by Platner originated from a 2024 episode of the podcast ‘Green Beret Chronicle Show,’ where military affairs were discussed. Platner claimed that Chris Kyle’s reported actions were consistent with his observations and those known from the Government Center, suggesting that high kill numbers are possible with indiscriminate firing.
Additionally, Platner has faced criticism for a resurfaced Reddit post where he disparaged a soldier wounded in a clash with Taliban fighters. The post contained derogatory remarks, saying the soldier “didn’t deserve to live.” This reaction drew criticism from Robert O’Neill, credited with killing Osama bin Laden, who called Platner’s comments “way out of line.”
Platner’s Defense and Reaction
Platner, a Marine Corps veteran, has pointed to his struggles with PTSD as an explanation for his incendiary social media posts. However, O’Neill countered this defense, asserting that PTSD does not justify “vile hatred.”
Fox News has covered the ongoing controversy, with further contributions from writers Andrew Mark Miller and Taylor Penley.