Tucker Carlson has suggested that Israel was responsible for Graham Platner’s collapse as a Democratic Senate candidate in Maine, arguing that the former candidate’s opposition to Israel was the issue that ultimately “torpedoes his candidacy.”

Carlson argued that Platner was a conventional Democrat on many issues and claimed he would have defeated Republican Sen. Susan Collins, but said his disagreement with Democratic leaders over Israel made him a target. “Here’s a guy who’s clearly going to beat Susan Collins… He’s a conventional Democrat in some ways, but the big issue in which he disagrees with his party’s leadership is Israel… And it’s that issue that torpedoes his candidacy.” Carlson has previously defended Platner against criticism over his past controversies, including his Nazi-associated tattoo.

Carlson’s comments are notable given how far his political commentary has moved from traditional Republican positions on Israel. His willingness to defend a Democratic Senate candidate who made opposition to U.S. support for Israel a central part of his campaign has increasingly put him at odds with many Republicans and pro-Israel conservatives.

Carlson has also become involved in the Michigan Senate race, where he has voiced support for Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed. Carlson has defended El-Sayed over his controversial comments about the September 11 attacks and criticized Republican nominee Mike Rogers, effectively putting Carlson on the side of the Democratic candidate in the closely watched race.

But Platner’s campaign did not collapse solely over his position on Israel. The former Marine and oyster farmer faced a series of controversies before ultimately leaving the Senate race in July. Those included revelations about a chest tattoo resembling the Nazi SS Totenkopf symbol, resurfaced offensive social-media posts, and explicit text messages involving women. Platner said he did not understand the tattoo's Nazi association when he received it and later had it covered.

Platner also withdrew after a former girlfriend accused him of sexual assault. Platner denied the allegation. The controversy followed the earlier scandals and contributed to mounting pressure on his campaign.

The controversies were significant enough that Platner ultimately abandoned his campaign against Collins. Democrats subsequently moved forward with Troy Jackson as their nominee.

Carlson's defense of Platner and support for El-Sayed reflect his growing break with the Republican establishment. President Donald Trump has also directly called out Carlson, criticizing his views and distancing himself from the MAGA movement. The divide highlights how far Carlson's politics have moved from Trump and the Republican Party he once strongly supported.