Coast Guard Reportedly Reclassifies Swastikas and Nooses as 'Potentially Divisive' — Critics Raise Alarm

On the first day of President Donald Trump’s second term, Adm. Linda Fagan was removed from her post as commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard and ordered out of her residence with only a few hours' notice. Fagan, a four‑star admiral and the first woman to lead a branch of the U.S. military, was reportedly dismissed amid criticism that her support for diversity initiatives had been labeled "woke."

Roughly ten months later, new guidance reported to take effect Dec. 15 would reclassify the swastika and nooses from formal "hate symbols" to the category "potentially divisive." The guidance also introduces a 45‑day deadline for crew members to file formal reports about such incidents — a change from prior guidance that advised immediate reporting without a specified deadline.

Concerns for Personnel at Sea

Critics say the 45‑day reporting window could be unworkable for service members deployed for extended periods at sea. One Coast Guard official queried whether a Black or Jewish sailor would feel safe reporting a shipmate who displayed a swastika when they were confined together for weeks:

"If you are at sea, and your shipmate has a swastika in their rack, and you are a Black person or Jew, and you are going to be stuck at sea with them for the next 60 days, are you going to feel safe reporting that up your chain of command?"

Official Denials and Political Context

The Department of Homeland Security issued a forceful denial of the reported reclassification. Tricia McLaughlin, an assistant secretary at DHS, characterized the reporting as "an absolute ludicrous lie," calling it "unequivocally false" and "fake crap." Officials have indicated that significant public or congressional pushback could prompt a revision or reversal before any policy takes effect.

Observers have pointed to recent related developments that contribute to public concern: a controversial appointment of a conservative lawyer after reports of extreme statements, a congressional office incident involving a flag altered to include a swastika, and heightened debate over antisemitism following media appearances by prominent commentators and far‑right figures. Together, these episodes have sharpened scrutiny of how the government and military services classify and respond to symbols associated with hate and extremism.

What’s Next

The proposed change — if implemented — would raise practical and moral questions about how the Coast Guard protects service members from harassment and intimidation while deployed. Lawmakers, service members, veterans groups, and civil‑rights organizations are likely to press for clarification and, if necessary, a reversal. The situation remains fluid, and any definitive policy change should be closely watched for its implications for safety, morale, and equal treatment within the ranks.