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Fact Check: Schumer Claims Coast Guard Staffing Issues Caused Brooklyn Bridge Crash Debunked by DHS
On May 18, 2025, a Mexican Navy ship, the Cuauhtémoc, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge, killing two sailors and injuring 11, due to a loss of propulsion in a high-current area of the East River,
Senator Chuck Schumer quickly blamed the incident on staffing shortages in the U.S. Coast Guard’s Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), alleging that a hiring freeze under Trump’s administration and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) had compromised water traffic control. He also noted the vacancy of the Coast Guard Commandant position since Admiral Linda Fagan’s relief.
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However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) swiftly debunked Schumer’s claims in a statement on X at 20:54 UTC on May 18. DHS clarified that the Coast Guard has been exempt from any hiring freezes and is fully supported, directly contradicting Schumer’s assertions.
Furthermore, the incident was unrelated to VTS staffing, as the ship’s mechanical failure required onboard capabilities and nearby tug support, not traffic control intervention. This aligns with the nature of the accident, where the ship’s masts were damaged, and a sailor was left dangling in a harness, as witnessed by onlookers Sydney Neidell and Lily Katz, per The Guardian.
A 2024 GAO report did highlight a Coast Guard staffing shortfall of about 4,800 members, indicating broader challenges.
However, Schumer’s specific claim tying the Brooklyn Bridge incident to a hiring freeze lacks evidence, as DHS confirmed no such freeze impacted the Coast Guard.
This reveals Schumer’s narrative as misleading, likely driven by political motives to criticize President Trump and DOGE, rather than reflecting the incident’s true causes.
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