Senate confirms new Coast Guard commandant after hate-symbol policy fight
The U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Admiral Kevin Lunday as Coast Guard commandant Thursday night after Democrats lifted a hold triggered by Coast Guard guidance that had described swastikas, nooses and other hate symbols as merely 'potentially divisive.' Following backlash led by Sen. Jacky Rosen, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and the Coast Guard revised the policy to remove that phrasing, explicitly reaffirm a zero‑tolerance ban on hate symbols, and scrub superseded language that officials said had been misrepresented, clearing the way for Lunday’s promotion as the chamber adjourned for the year.
📌 Key Facts
- The Senate confirmed Adm. Kevin Lunday as Coast Guard commandant unanimously on Thursday night before adjourning for the year.
- Sen. Jacky Rosen had placed a hold on the nomination after Coast Guard draft guidance referred to swastikas and nooses as 'potentially divisive' rather than explicitly banning them.
- DHS and the Coast Guard revised the policy, removed the 'potentially divisive' language, reaffirmed a zero‑tolerance ban on hate symbols, and said outdated pages will be removed so the policy cannot be 'misrepresented.'
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called the delay a 'politicized holdup,' while Rosen said she still has reservations about the process but is satisfied the language on hate symbols is now stronger.
📊 Relevant Data
In a 2020 Military Times survey of 1,630 active-duty personnel, 36 percent reported observing evidence of white supremacist and racist ideologies in the military, up from 22 percent in the previous year's survey.
Countering Violent Extremism in the U.S. Military — RAND Corporation
The percentage of terrorist attacks and plots perpetrated by active-duty or reserve service members increased from zero in 2018 to more than 6 percent in 2020.
Countering Violent Extremism in the U.S. Military — RAND Corporation
In 2019, U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant Christopher Hasson, a neo-Nazi, was arrested for stockpiling weapons in preparation for an attack on politicians.
Countering Violent Extremism in the U.S. Military — RAND Corporation
As of 2021, 31 percent of U.S. Coast Guard members are racial or ethnic minorities, compared to a 42 percent average across all U.S. military services.
Lack of Diversity in U.S. Coast Guard Greater in Higher Ranks — RAND Corporation
For prior classes (2017-2021) at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Black cadets had a graduation rate of 75.61 percent, compared to 83.17 percent for White cadets.
Coast Guard Academy Diversity — GovInfo