Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem took to X on Thursday to vehemently deny that the U.S. Coast Guard is loosening restrictions on hate symbols like swastikas and nooses to "potentially divisive," amid a weekslong story of controversial back-and-forths on the policy.
Her statement comes as multiple Senate Democrats, including Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), have placed a block on the promotion of Adm. James Lunday, a prominent figure within the Coast Guard. In response to the original reporting, he denounced these hate symbols and promised nothing less than a total prohibition on them — but then the Coast Guard appeared to move forward with the "potentially divisive" guidance anyway, blindsiding lawmakers who had been promised the issue was settled.
In response to the fresh outrage, Noem stated that the whole issue had been misrepresented — but that, regardless, the guidance at the heart of the controversy is being rescinded.
"For almost a month, the Washington Post and other media outlets have been pushing a demonstrably false story about Coast Guard policy on hate symbols," wrote Noem. "The 2025 language of the USCG Harassing Behaviors Prevention, Response, and Accountability Instruction, coupled with the existing language in the Coast Guard’s Civil Rights manual, strengthens our ability to report, investigate, and prosecute those who violate longstanding policy."
"The November 20 policy and lawful order was issued to double down on that language and further clarify the display of divisive and hate symbols and flags prohibited as a violation of Coast Guard policy and the Uniform Code of Military Justice," Noem continued. "The pages of superseded and outdated policy will be completely removed from the record so no press outlet, entity or elected official may misrepresent the Coast Guard to politicize their policies and lie about their position on divisive and hate symbols."
She concluded by demanding that the Senate hold on Lunday's promotion cease.
"The politicized holdup of Admiral Lunday's nomination has gone on long enough, and it needs to end," she wrote. "He has given nearly 39 years of distinguished service to the Coast Guard, this country, and the American people. He should be confirmed without delay."
