Overview
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said references labeling swastikas and nooses as 'potentially divisive' were removed, with superseded pages expunged from the Coast Guard manual.
- The Washington Post reported the manual now masks the disputed section and directs readers to the service’s civil rights policies, while the Coast Guard says a zero‑tolerance prohibition remains in effect.
- Sen. Jacky Rosen lifted her hold on Adm. Kevin Lunday’s nomination following the removal, though she plans continued oversight and placed a separate hold on DHS nominee Sean Plankey.
- The reversal follows a week of confusion after reporting that the downgraded terminology had taken effect, despite earlier assurances and a memo stating the symbols were prohibited.
- DHS and the Coast Guard continue to deny any downgrade, asserting the updated guidance strengthens reporting, investigations, and enforcement, even as Jewish organizations and lawmakers condemned the prior language.