The U.S. Coast Guard is undergoing its biggest transformation in decades, driven by the Trump administration’s push to crack down on illegal immigration and narcotics trafficking. Since early 2025, sweeping changes in funding, leadership, and operations have reshaped the service, with immediate effects on border security, drug interdiction, and recruitment.
A Historic Funding Boost and New Direction
In July 2025, the Coast Guard received a record-breaking $25 billion in funding, the largest single-year investment in its history. This money, part of the administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” is being used to modernize ships and aircraft, expand the workforce, upgrade technology, and improve training centers. The goal is to make the Coast Guard stronger and more effective in stopping illegal drugs and migrants from entering the United States 🇺🇸 by sea.
The overhaul is guided by the Force Design 2028 plan, introduced in April 2025. This blueprint restructures the Coast Guard, updates personnel standards, and changes how the service buys equipment and hires contractors. The plan aims to bring the Coast Guard’s standards in line with other military branches, especially the Department of Defense. Full implementation is expected by 2028, but many changes are already underway.
Leadership Changes and New Policies
In January 2025, President Trump and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem removed Adm. Linda Fagan, the first female commandant of the Coast Guard. They cited “leadership deficiencies, operational failures and inability to advance the strategic objectives” related to border security and the fentanyl crisis. Adm. Kevin E. Lunday now serves as acting commandant, leading the Coast Guard through this period of rapid change.
Several executive orders have set the tone for the overhaul:
- Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance (April 9, 2025): This order calls for revitalizing the U.S. maritime industry, growing the maritime workforce, and cutting regulations to encourage innovation and efficiency.
- Strengthening Law Enforcement (April 28, 2025): This order increases resources and legal protections for law enforcement, including the Coast Guard, and directs the Department of Defense to expand its presence in states and local areas.
- Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens (April 28, 2025): This order targets areas that block federal immigration enforcement and reinforces the Coast Guard’s role in securing maritime borders.
Operational Results: More Recruits, More Drug Seizures
The Coast Guard now has about 43,000 active-duty personnel. In fiscal year 2025, over 4,250 new recruits joined, which is 1,200 more than the same period last year. The Coast Guard is on track to exceed its recruitment targets by 110%, reversing years of falling numbers. Training centers are full, with all spots booked through September 2025.
On the operational side, the Coast Guard has seized 11% more cocaine in FY2025 than in all of FY2024. This jump is due to more patrols, better technology, and a stronger focus on stopping drug smugglers at sea.
How the Money Is Being Spent
The $25 billion investment is being used to:
- Modernize and expand the fleet with new cutters, patrol boats, and aircraft
- Upgrade surveillance, communications, and interdiction technology
- Expand and improve training facilities
- Increase pay and benefits to attract and keep skilled personnel
Organizational Restructuring and Policy Changes
The Force Design 2028 plan brings several changes:
Adm. Linda Fagan removed from command
Force Design 2028 plan introduced
Executive order on restoring maritime dominance
Two executive orders on law enforcement and protecting communities issued
Coast Guard received $25 billion in funding
- New specialty tracks for Coast Guard members, offering more career options
- Expanded training programs
- Physical fitness, grooming, and body standards now match those of other military branches
- Changes in how the Coast Guard buys equipment and hires contractors
Congress is also working on new laws to give the Coast Guard the same level of recognition and support as other military branches. This includes bipartisan support for more funding and modernization.
Operational Focus: Tripling Border Presence
The Coast Guard has tripled its presence at key maritime borders, especially in areas known for high smuggling activity and increased migrant crossings. New technology and more patrols have led to record drug seizures and more arrests of human traffickers.
Recruitment and Diversity Policy Changes
All Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and hiring practices have been cancelled. The administration says this move restores “respect and empowerment” for law enforcement and military personnel. The Coast Guard now focuses on traditional recruitment standards and operational readiness.
Key Stakeholders and Their Roles
- President Trump: Has made maritime security and law enforcement a top priority, focusing on “restoring America’s maritime dominance” and “making America safe again.”
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem: Oversees the Coast Guard and has played a key role in recruitment and operational reforms.
- Acting Commandant Adm. Kevin E. Lunday: Leads the Coast Guard through the transition, focusing on operational effectiveness and new priorities.
- Congress: Shows bipartisan support for Coast Guard modernization, with new laws in the works to boost funding and recognition.
Practical Implications for Different Groups
- Coast Guard Personnel:
- More training opportunities, higher pay, and stricter physical and operational standards
- New career paths and leadership roles due to specialty tracks
- Maritime Industry and Shipbuilders:
- More contracts and investments as the Coast Guard upgrades its fleet and infrastructure
- Fewer regulations, making it easier and cheaper to adopt new technology
- Border Communities and Migrants:
- More Coast Guard patrols and stricter enforcement of immigration laws
- Higher rates of apprehension for those trying to enter the United States 🇺🇸 illegally by sea
- Drug Traffickers and Smugglers:
- Greater risk of being caught, with the Coast Guard reporting record drug seizures and better intelligence-sharing with other agencies
Step-by-Step: How Recruitment and Modernization Work
- Recruitment:
- Applicants can apply through the official Coast Guard recruitment portal or at local offices.
- They go through background checks, physical fitness tests (now matching Department of Defense standards), and interviews.
- Accepted recruits are sent to training centers, which are currently at full capacity.
- Modernization:
- Funding is directed to top priorities like new ships, better technology, and more personnel.
- Contracts go to U.S. shipbuilders and technology companies.
- Training centers expand and update their programs to match new operational goals.
- Progress is tracked by DHS and reported to Congress and the White House.
Supporters and Critics: Different Views on the Overhaul
Supporters say the overhaul is fixing long-standing problems, boosting morale, and making the United States 🇺🇸 safer by closing gaps in maritime enforcement and drug interdiction. Industry experts also point to economic benefits for U.S. shipbuilders and the wider maritime sector.
Critics, however, worry about the sudden removal of Adm. Fagan and the end of DEI programs. Some lawmakers and advocacy groups warn that stricter enforcement could create humanitarian problems at maritime borders, especially for migrants.
Background: Why the Overhaul Was Needed
Before 2025, the Coast Guard struggled with not enough recruits, old equipment, and tight budgets. The COVID-19 pandemic made things worse, leading to even fewer new members and more criticism over border security and drug interdiction. Under the Biden administration, the Coast Guard missed its recruitment goals and faced questions about its ability to secure the nation’s borders.
The Trump administration’s return to office in 2025 brought immediate changes: new leadership, executive orders, and a historic funding boost to tackle these problems head-on.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Coast Guard
The full rollout of Force Design 2028 is set for completion by 2028. Progress will be tracked with annual reports to Congress and the White House. Another major plan, the Maritime Action Plan (MAP), is due by November 2025. This plan will set more strategic goals for the Coast Guard and the broader maritime sector.
Congress is also considering new laws to further align Coast Guard benefits and recognition with other military branches. This could affect retirement, healthcare, and family support programs for Coast Guard members.
How to Get Involved or Learn More
For those interested in joining the Coast Guard or learning more about its mission, the U.S. Coast Guard’s official website provides up-to-date information on recruitment, operations, and news. The site also offers contact details for public affairs and local recruitment centers.
Summary and Takeaways
The Coast Guard’s 2025 overhaul marks a major shift in how the United States 🇺🇸 handles maritime security, drug interdiction, and immigration enforcement. Backed by historic funding and new policies, the service is already seeing more recruits, more drug seizures, and faster modernization. While supporters praise the changes for improving readiness and national security, critics raise concerns about leadership changes and the end of diversity programs.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the Coast Guard’s transformation is being closely watched by lawmakers, industry leaders, and advocacy groups. The next few years will show whether these sweeping changes deliver on their promise to make America’s maritime borders safer and more secure.
For official updates and more details, visit the U.S. Coast Guard’s official website.
Actionable Steps for Readers:
- If you’re interested in a career with the Coast Guard, check eligibility and apply through the official recruitment portal.
- For those in the maritime industry, stay informed about new contracts and regulatory changes that may affect your business.
- Community leaders and advocacy groups should monitor Coast Guard policy updates and engage with lawmakers to share concerns or support.
- Families of Coast Guard members can expect improved benefits and support as new laws are considered.
The Coast Guard’s overhaul is a clear sign of the Trump administration’s commitment to a tougher stance on immigration and narcotics. The coming years will reveal the full impact of these changes on the service, the nation’s borders, and the communities affected by maritime security policies.
Learn Today
Force Design 2028 → A strategic plan to restructure and modernize the Coast Guard by aligning with military standards by 2028.
Drug interdiction → Efforts to detect and prevent illegal drug trafficking, especially by sea, through law enforcement actions.
Deep-state contractors → Private companies hired by the Coast Guard for equipment and services within updated procurement processes.
Executive orders → Directives issued by the President to manage government operations and enforce specific policies.
Maritime Action Plan (MAP) → A strategic document due in November 2025 outlining future goals for the Coast Guard and maritime sector.
This Article in a Nutshell
The 2025 Coast Guard overhaul, driven by Trump’s administration, boosts funding by $25 billion, triples border presence, and expands recruitment, dramatically improving maritime security, drug interdiction, and operational readiness. Leadership shifts and new policies mark a decisive change targeting illegal immigration and narcotics trafficking at U.S. maritime borders.
— By VisaVerge.com
