US Coast Guard Reportedly Removes Swastika From Hate Symbols List; Agency Calls Story “Categorically False”

A washington Post report has triggered a political firestorm after claiming that the us Coast Guard will no longer categorize the Swastika as a hate symbol. Instead, it would be downgraded to a “potentially contentious” image under a new policy expected to take effect on December 15, according to documents cited by the outlet. The Post also reported that nooses and the Confederate flag would be similarly downgraded, though displaying the Confederate flag would remain prohibited.

The reported move comes as part of a broader reassessment of harassment and hazing guidelines across the US military under the Trump administration. According to the Post, the Coast Guard’s adjustments align with Defense Secretary pete hegseth’s directives to tighten Pentagon regulations after he argued that existing policies had become overly broad and risked undermining combat readiness.

Under the reported guidelines, imagery such as nooses, swastikas, or other symbols previously considered overt hate icons would now be categorized as “potentially contentious.” This classification would require supervisors to investigate any reported incident, consult legal teams, and determine whether the content should be removed. The draft policy also includes a 45-day deadline for personnel to file a report on any such display.

Prior Coast Guard policy explicitly listed nooses, swastikas, and the Confederate flag as indicators of possible hate incidents. Commanders were permitted to order their removal even if the incident did not rise to the level of a hate crime. The reported changes would mark a major shift in how these symbols are evaluated and enforced internally.

Coast Guard and DHS Reject Report as “False”

Shortly after the story gained traction, the US Coast Guard strongly disputed the Post’s reporting, calling the claims “categorically false.”

“The claims that the US Coast Guard will no longer classify swastikas, nooses, or other extremist imagery as prohibited symbols are categorically false,” Acting Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday said in a statement. “These emblems remain prohibited. Displaying, using, or promoting such symbols will continue to be met with strict scrutiny and disciplinary action.”

The Department of Homeland Security also rejected the report. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin called the story “an absolute ludicrous lie and unequivocally false,” criticizing the newspaper in a sharply worded social media post. “The Washington Post should be embarrassed it published this fake crap,” she wrote.