US Coast Guard Makes Controversial Change to Hate Symbols List
The United States Coast Guard has decided to remove the Swastika and noose from its official list of hate symbols, according to internal documents reviewed by The Washington Post. This significant policy shift, reported on November 21, 2025, marks a departure from how these symbols have been traditionally classified within the US military establishment.
New Classification as 'Potentially Divisive'
Under the newly implemented guidelines, the Coast Guard will now classify the Swastika as 'potentially divisive' rather than maintaining its previous designation as a hate symbol. This change comes despite the fact that in Western contexts, the Swastika is widely recognized as a symbol of fascism and white supremacy directly linked to the deaths of approximately 400,000 Jews in Nazi Germany.
The policy revision aligns with the Trump administration's broader stance on addressing hazing and harassment within US military branches. Although the Coast Guard operates separately from the US Department of Defense, the service has been actively reworking its internal policies to maintain consistency with the administration's directives.
Defense Department's Policy Review
The background to this change includes a September directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who ordered a comprehensive review of pre-existing military policies. Hegseth characterized these earlier regulations as 'overly broad' and expressed concern that they might compromise troops' combat readiness and preparedness.
However, the Coast Guard's official position appears somewhat contradictory. Coast Guard spokeswoman Jennifer Plozai refuted the Washington Post's characterization of the policy change during a telephonic interview, though the service declined to provide specific reasons why Swastikas, nooses, and the Confederate flag were no longer explicitly classified as hate symbols.
Official Statements and Core Values
Admiral Kevin Lunday, the service's acting commandant, provided clarification on the matter, affirming that such symbols 'and other extremist or racist imagery violate our core values' and would continue to be treated with appropriate seriousness under current policy. The Admiral emphasized that 'any display, use or promotion of such symbols, as always, will be thoroughly investigated and severely punished,' indicating that while the classification has changed, the consequences for inappropriate display remain significant.
This policy modification has generated considerable discussion about the balance between historical symbolism, modern interpretations, and military discipline protocols. The Coast Guard's decision reflects ongoing debates within US military institutions about how to address symbols with complex historical and cultural meanings while maintaining unit cohesion and operational effectiveness.
