Grok reveals more on Graham Platner

I asked Grok, "Did Graham Platner work for Blackwater?" And after 4 whole seconds I received this response: 

Yes, Graham Platner worked for a successor company to Blackwater (now known as Constellis), though he has publicly stated that he "never worked for Blackwater." 

His role: Platner worked as a State Department security contractor (e.g., protecting an ambassador or similar duties) in Afghanistan for about six months around 2018, after his U.S. military service (Marines and Army National Guard, with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan).

Company connection: He was employed by Constellis Holdings, the parent company that absorbed Blackwater (rebranded as Xe Services in 2009 and later merged into Constellis). Blackwater/Constellis provided private security and other services for the U.S. government.

Platner's response: He has denied direct employment with the original Blackwater, calling out the association as inaccurate or a technicality. Critics argue this is splitting hairs since Constellis is the direct successor with the same core business and legacy. ContextThis has become a point of controversy in his 2026 U.S. Senate campaign in Maine (as a Democrat challenging Susan Collins). Opponents and some progressives have highlighted it alongside his veteran background, past social media posts, and a tattoo he later covered up. Supporters note it was short-term government-contracted work and that he became disillusioned with U.S. involvement abroad afterward. Sources include news outlets like Politico, Central Maine, and public discussions on the topic. Wikipedia and his campaign materials focus more on his oyster farming and Marine Corps service but don't contradict the contractor stint.

So Platner said he didn't work for Blackwater and he is technically correct because the company was swallowed up by Constellis. And this is how he gets away with his lie.

Thank you for following Brain Flushings. Please take time to simply check out the sponsors on this page--it's one way to support my work and you don't need to purchase anything to do so. Of course, you can Buy Me A Coffee if you want to support me directly. And finally, don't be afraid to subscribe if you enjoy the blog--it's free, and worth the cost.

Tweet