Jewish organizations and leaders have strongly criticized the United States Coast Guard after revelations that the agency quietly downgraded the classification of swastikas and nooses from hate symbols to 'potentially divisive' in its updated workplace harassment manual. Initial assurances from the Coast Guard's acting commandant, Admiral Kevin Lunday, that no change would occur were contradicted by new reporting, sparking outrage and accusations of insincerity from Jewish leaders.

Groups such as the Union for Reform Judaism, Jewish War Veterans, and the Jewish Community Relations Council have condemned the policy shift, arguing that it minimizes the seriousness of symbols associated with hate, violence, and oppression. The controversy has led to calls for accountability and demands for answers from Coast Guard leadership, with some questioning Admiral Lunday's fitness for command.

Senators Jacky Rosen and Tammy Duckworth have placed a hold on Lunday's nomination to lead the Coast Guard, citing the lack of transparency and the agency's refusal to clarify its stance on hate symbols. The Coast Guard, meanwhile, continues to deny any change in its zero-tolerance policy, despite mounting criticism and political fallout.