The Senate unanimously confirmed Admiral Kevin Lunday as commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard after the service revised guidance about hate symbols such as swastikas and nooses. Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen lifted her hold when references to the symbols as "potentially divisive" were removed. DHS and the Coast Guard reiterated that the revisions do not weaken policy and stressed a zero-tolerance stance toward hate symbols. Supporters noted Lunday’s nearly 39 years of service as the confirmation was finalized.
Senate Unanimously Confirms Admiral Kevin Lunday After Dispute Over Hate-Symbol Policy
Adm. Kevin Lunday during a Nov. 19, 2025 Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing on his nomination to be Coast Guard commandant. / Credit: Julia Demaree Nikhinson / AP
Washington — The Senate on Thursday night unanimously confirmed Admiral Kevin Lunday as the next commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard after agency guidance on the display of hate symbols was revised and clarified.
What Changed
The confirmation followed edits to Coast Guard guidance that removed a phrase describing certain symbols as "potentially divisive." After that language was deleted from the policy, Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen (Nev.) lifted a hold she had placed on Lunday’s nomination.
Statements and Reactions
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees the Coast Guard in peacetime, said the revisions "strengthen our ability to report, investigate, and prosecute those who violate longstanding policy" and maintained there was never a "downgrade" in intent.
"While I continue to have reservations about the process by which this happened and the confusion created by leadership at the Department of Homeland Security, I am pleased to see that the policy now directly refers to stronger language against swastikas and nooses," Sen. Jacky Rosen said after lifting her hold.
Republican South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem weighed in on social media as well, calling the delay a "politicized holdup" and urging swift confirmation of Lunday. The Coast Guard itself posted that it "maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward hate symbols, extremist ideology, and any conduct that undermines our core values," and that any suggestion otherwise is false.
Policy Background
The originally proposed wording had described some hate symbols — including swastikas and nooses — as "potentially divisive," and said commanders could remove such displays from public areas but that restrictions did not extend to private spaces such as family housing. That draft prompted criticism and concern from lawmakers who wanted a clearer prohibition.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) moved to confirm Lunday unanimously before the chamber adjourned for the year. Supporters highlighted Lunday’s long service; officials noted he has nearly 39 years in the Coast Guard.
What This Means
The episode underscores how precise policy language can shape public perception and congressional action. With the revised guidance and public statements from DHS and the Coast Guard reaffirming a strict stance against hate symbols, the path is now clear for Lunday to assume leadership of the service.
