Taya Kyle, the widow of U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, criticized Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner for his remarks about her late husband. During her appearance on ‘The Sunday Briefing,’ she highlighted the significance of Memorial Day and the sacrifices made by military members.

Kyle condemned Platner’s comments, describing them as ‘cowardly’ and a ‘cheap political trick’ that harms Gold Star families. She stressed the importance of supporting military marriages and acknowledging the profound sacrifices service members make.

In her discussion, Kyle responded to Platner’s accusation that Chris Kyle exaggerated his kill numbers by targeting innocent civilians. “Nothing says, I want attention more than disparaging a national hero who’s also dead,” she remarked. She added that it is a low act to lie about someone, as it shifts focus away from substantive issues.

Platner, who challenges incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins, admitted to making his comments during a 2024 episode of the “Green Beret Chronicle Show,” a podcast centered on military affairs. He alleged that high kill numbers could stem from indiscriminate firing, which he claimed to have witnessed in some instances.

Platner’s past remarks also include a controversial Reddit post where he insulted a wounded soldier seen in a viral video. He referred to the soldier as a “dumb motherf—– who didn’t deserve to live.” This statement received severe backlash, including from Robert O’Neill, the U.S. Navy SEAL credited with killing Osama bin Laden. O’Neill regarded Platner’s comment as “way out of line.”

Though Platner has cited his struggle with PTSD to justify his offensive social media posts, O’Neill rejected this explanation. He argued PTSD does not excuse “vile hatred.”