From the Associated Press: The U.S. Coast Guard has released a new, firmer policy addressing the display of hate symbols like swastikas and nooses just hours after it was publicly revealed that it made plans to describe them as “potentially divisive” — a term that prompted outcry from lawmakers and advocates.
“Divisive or hate symbols and flags are prohibited,” the latest Coast Guard policy, released late Thursday, declared before adding that this category included “a noose, a swastika, and any symbols or flags co-opted or adopted by hate-based groups.”
“This is not an updated policy but a new policy to combat any misinformation and double down that the U.S. Coast Guard forbids these symbols,” an accompanying Coast Guard press release said.
The late-night change came on the same day that media outlets, led by The Washington Post, discovered that the Coast Guard had written a policy earlier this month that called those same symbols “potentially divisive.” The term was a shift from a years-long policy, first rolled out in 2019, that said symbols like swastikas and nooses were “widely identified with oppression or hatred” and called their display “a potential hate incident.”
Massive backlash erupted after the Washington Post released a report on Thursday, titled, “U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify swastikas, nooses as hate symbols.”
Exclusive: The U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify the swastika, nooses and the Confederate flag as hate symbols.
The military service drafted a new policy that classifies them as “potentially divisive.” https://t.co/zf4oKGkTtq
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) November 20, 2025
The Coast Guard then responded to the report, scrambling to clarify that YES, the vile objects are STILL considered as hate symbols.
Today, @USCG announced the release of a policy and lawful order that doubles down on its current policies prohibiting the display, distribution or use of hate symbols by Coast Guard personnel.
The policy and lawful order provides clear definitions, guidance and expectations for Coast Guard personnel. It describes prohibited hate symbols in alignment with military policy.
This is not an updated policy but a new policy to combat any misinformation and double down that the U.S. Coast Guard forbids these symbols.
Read more here: https://media.defense.gov/2025/Nov/20/2003827588/-1/-1/0/GENERAL%20ORDER%20MEMO%20SIGNED.PDF
Press Release: http://news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases…
Today, @USCG announced the release of a policy and lawful order that doubles down on its current policies prohibiting the display, distribution or use of hate symbols by Coast Guard personnel.
The policy and lawful order provides clear definitions, guidance and expectations for…
— U.S. Coast Guard (@USCG) November 21, 2025
Homeland Security Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin blasted out the following statement, denouncing the Washington Post report:
The @washingtonpost is trying to take a victory lap for smearing the @USCG
and manufacturing a demonstrably false storyline that the U.S. Coast Guard no longer forbids or otherwise downgraded the forbiddance of swastikas, nooses etc. This “reporting” was accurately labeled FAKE.
There’s no “backtracking.” The 2025 policy is not changing—USCG issued a lawful order that doubles down on our *current* policies prohibiting the display, distribution or use of hate symbols by Coast Guard personnel.
It is unfortunate that the Coast Guard must take time away from its mission to protect our nation to respond to these baseless smears and revolting lies from the media.
The @washingtonpost is trying to take a victory lap for smearing the @USCG and manufacturing a demonstrably false storyline that the U.S. Coast Guard no longer forbids or otherwise downgraded the forbiddance of swastikas, nooses etc. This “reporting” was accurately labeled FAKE.… https://t.co/Vtxhaotz5C
— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) November 21, 2025
People from both sides of the aisle erupted in fury over the initial report by the Washington Post.
Podcast host Mark Levin demanded, “Who’s the genius behind this boneheaded move?”
Podcast host Chuck Todd declared, “Who is the hateful antisemitic clown advocating for this on behalf of the United States of America? Can’t believe DHS sec Noem thinks she can be a serious presidential candidate while one of her appointees advocates for this.”
“WTF!?!” wrote David Axelrod.
Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Col.) wrote, “These are symbols of racism, anti-semitism, and violence. There’s no spin that can deny that fact. The American people and those who proudly represent us in the Coast Guard’s uniform deserve far better. This decision should be reversed immediately.”
Rep. Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.) wrote, “At a time when antisemitism is rising at home and abroad, this is absolutely horrific and puts the Jewish community at risk. Trump must immediately reverse this dangerous decision. It is sick.”
Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NY) wrote, “This is reprehensible. Swastikas and nooses are hate symbols. Full stop. There should be no tolerance for the display or use of this hateful imagery in our Coast Guard or any part of our government.”
READ MORE from the Associated Press.
We’re glad that the Coast Guard has walked this reprehensible change back, even though we’re deeply disturbed that it ever happened in the first place. Symbols of hate are just that, and there is no grey area or room for debate. https://t.co/jUahZMPWIz https://t.co/IHiNrwg89g
— Project On Government Oversight (@POGOwatchdog) November 21, 2025
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