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Hegseth and Noem Advocate for New Secretary of the Coast Guard Amid Drug Smuggling Enforcement
EXCLUSIVE: Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem are advocating for the establishment of a Secretary of the Coast Guard, a proposal gaining traction within the current administration. This information has been confirmed by Fox News Digital.
The unique position of the Coast Guard as the only military branch operating under the Department of Homeland Security, without a dedicated civilian secretary, raises questions about its integration with other armed services, including the Navy, Army, and Air Force.
Currently, there is increasing support, both in the administration and among lawmakers, for reforms that will strengthen the Coast Guard’s operation. This effort aims to align the Coast Guard more closely with the armed forces governed by the Department of War.
In a letter to Noem, Hegseth articulated that creating a service secretary would significantly enhance the Coast Guard’s capacity to support comprehensive national security operations. This initiative represents a strategic move toward better coordination and resource allocation within national defense operations.
Hegseth emphasized that the addition of a Secretary of the Coast Guard is vital for achieving strategic integration between the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of War. He also noted that such a position would bolster civilian oversight of military operations, a principle deeply rooted in the U.S. Constitution.
Noem highlighted the potential benefits of this role, stating that a Secretary of the Coast Guard would facilitate enhanced joint operations with other military services. For instance, through collaborations such as Operation Pacific Viper, the Coast Guard works alongside the U.S. Navy to combat the rising tide of illegal drug imports, an initiative aligned with President Donald Trump’s broader aims to thwart drug cartels.
Noem expressed her commitment to collaborating with Hegseth, Trump, and members of Congress to successfully establish this critical position. She was quoted saying, “The Coast Guard is the tip of the spear in the fight to protect our homeland. Every day, they face down drug traffickers, engage with adversaries in the Arctic and Pacific, and perform life-saving missions. Creating a Secretary of the Coast Guard is essential to fulfill President Trump’s vision of transforming the Service into the premier maritime fighting force globally.”
Efforts to formalize the position of Secretary of the Coast Guard are gaining momentum in Congress. Representative Mike Ezell from Mississippi has spearheaded a critical provision in the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, emphasizing the need for this leadership role. This act was passed by the House in July.
Ezell conveyed that establishing a dedicated secretary will help eliminate bureaucratic obstacles that have historically slowed progress. By directly reporting to the White House and Congress, this new position aims to streamline operations and enhance efficiency within the Coast Guard.
“This individual will be essential for advancing our objectives,” Ezell told Fox News Digital, underlining the significance of this impending change.
Parallel to these administrative efforts, the Coast Guard unveiled its Force Design 2028 plan earlier this year. This comprehensive initiative seeks to reform the service’s organizational framework, including personnel, acquisitions, contracting, and technological advancements. One of the core proposals in this plan is the appointment of a service secretary.
The Force Design 2028 initiative also outlines a strategy for increasing the Coast Guard’s current active-duty personnel, which stands at approximately 43,000. Additionally, the plan aims to identify specialties that require reinforcement for improved training efficacy. Important adjustments include aligning the Coast Guard’s standards with the Department of Defense’s guidelines on physical fitness, body composition, and grooming.
Historically, the Coast Guard enforced physical fitness standards primarily within its law enforcement teams. However, in September, the service announced the implementation of a mandatory fitness test scheduled for 2026, indicating a move toward more standardized training requirements.
This transformation is largely a response to the Trump administration’s intensified focus on curbing illegal immigration and drug trafficking. An official from the Department of Homeland Security has described these changes as vital for the ongoing operations of the service, noting that the transformation will be fully realized by 2028.
As the Coast Guard evolves, it appears that the establishment of a Secretary of the Coast Guard could be a pivotal development in enhancing its operational effectiveness and aligning it more closely with national defense objectives. The collaboration of high-ranking officials and lawmakers suggests a substantial shift in how the Coast Guard will function in the coming years.
Embracing Change for a Stronger Coast Guard
The path toward creating a Secretary of the Coast Guard underscores the importance of adequate leadership and accountability in safeguarding national interests. As the Coast Guard navigates these changes, fulfilling its critical role in homeland security will require adaptive strategies and robust support from its leadership.
With determined efforts from leaders like Hegseth and Noem, the initiative to appoint a Secretary of the Coast Guard may soon come to fruition, marking a significant step in enhancing the service’s capacity to address complex national security challenges.
