Border Patrol Commander Addresses Controversy Over Coat Resembling Nazi Uniform
U.S. Customs and Border Protection commander Gregory Bovino, who leads President Donald Trump's urban deportation initiative, has publicly defended his choice of outerwear following sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom. The controversy erupted when Newsom, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this week, suggested Bovino's calf-length green trenchcoat looked like it was purchased from eBay to resemble the uniforms worn by Nazi SS officers during World War II-era Germany.
Bovino's Response and Historical Context of the Coat
In an interview with NewsNation's Leland Vittert that aired on Thursday, Bovino laughed off the implication, firmly stating that the coat is officially issued by the Border Patrol and has been in his possession for more than a quarter-century. "I bought that as a young agent, approximately 1999," Bovino explained, emphasizing its long-standing use within his professional role. He highlighted that the garment has been a part of his uniform for decades, underscoring its legitimacy and routine nature in his line of work.
Political Motivations and Past Appearances
Bovino went further to suggest that Newsom's criticisms were politically motivated, pointing to a specific instance where he wore the same coat without issue. He noted that during former Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Chris Magnus' swearing-in ceremony in Washington, D.C., in 2021—under President Joe Biden's administration—he "received nothing but compliments" on the coat. "Fast-forward a few years to this administration, all of a sudden it's a problem," Bovino added, questioning the timing of the backlash. "Hey, what changed there? Why is it a problem now [and not] during the last administration?" This remark hints at a perceived shift in political climate or priorities influencing the scrutiny.
Broader Public Reaction and Social Media Outrage
However, Newsom is not alone in drawing parallels between Bovino's coat and Nazi imagery. Recent photos of Bovino taken in Minneapolis have sparked significant outrage online, with many social media users describing it as "Nazi cosplay." The images emerged in the context of a tragic incident where Renee Nicole Good, 37, was shot and killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer Jonathan Ross earlier this month, adding emotional weight to the discourse.
On platforms like Reddit, users have expressed strong opinions, with one commenter speculating, "He's probably the kind of guy who collects vintage uniforms and memorabilia from a certain time in German history." Another added a more pointed critique: "Stop calling it a cosplay. They are showing you exactly who they are. And they have killed countless innocents for it." These reactions reflect deep-seated concerns about symbolism and authority within immigration enforcement agencies.
The ongoing debate underscores the intersection of political rhetoric, uniform symbolism, and public perception in high-stakes immigration discussions. As Bovino continues his role in deportation campaigns, this incident highlights how attire can become a focal point for broader criticisms of policy and personnel.
