U.S. Coast Guard states swastikas, nooses, and Confederate flags do not symbolize hate.

In a significant shift in policy, the U.S. Coast Guard has announced it will no longer classify swastikas, nooses, and Confederate flags as symbols of hate. This decision, which will take effect next month, reflects a broader re-evaluation of the symbols that the Coast Guard deems potentially objectionable but not necessarily hate-driven.

Under the new guidelines, the Coast Guard will categorize the swastika—a symbol that has been associated with Nazi Germany and its atrocities during World War II—as “potentially divisive.” This change comes despite the historical significance of the swastika, which was prominently displayed by German forces that opposed the United States and its allies during the conflict and was emblematic of the concentration camps responsible for the deaths of millions, including Jews and other marginalized groups.

While the display of the Confederate flag is effectively banned within the Coast Guard, the reclassification of nooses—symbols historically linked to the lynching of African Americans—and the Confederate flag signifies a move toward broader latitude in the interpretation of these contentious symbols. As of December 15, 2025, both nooses and Confederate flags will be categorized with less stringent oversight than previously imposed.

The recent policy changes may be reflective of a wider ideological shift within the Coast Guard, particularly under the leadership of Acting Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday. The agency does not fall under the Department of Defense, yet its evolving stance aligns with a strategic vision articulated by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host. Hegseth has advocated for the military to focus less on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which he claims have led to the promotion of leaders based on factors other than merit.

This reorientation raises significant concerns among critics who assert that clarity around the divisiveness of historically charged symbols is essential for maintaining public trust in the armed services. Many military officials contend that a failure to address the implications of such symbols would undermine the integrity of the Coast Guard and its mission.

Moreover, the Coast Guard’s leadership has faced scrutiny since the termination of former Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan, the first woman to lead a branch of the U.S. military. Her dismissal, which was linked to her focus on DEI policies, highlights the tension between traditional military values and evolving societal expectations.

As the Department of Defense continues to prioritize the reassessment of DEI policies, the Coast Guard’s recent shift demonstrates a contentious and evolving debate about symbols and their meanings within American military culture. Coast Guard officials have not offered any comments regarding the implications of these new guidelines.