President Donald Trump’s administration has dismissed Admiral Linda Fagan, the first woman to lead a US military service, from her role as Commandant of the US Coast Guard.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees the Coast Guard, has not issued an official statement regarding Fagan’s removal. However, Fox News reported that a senior official cited her alleged failure to address border security threats, an overemphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and concerns over the Coast Guard’s handling of sexual assault investigations as reasons for her dismissal.
Trump and Republican lawmakers have long criticized DEI programs within government agencies. Additionally, border security remains a top priority for the president, who declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border on Monday, the first day of his new term.
Acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman acknowledged Fagan’s service in a message to the Coast Guard. “She served a long and illustrious career, and I thank her for her service to our nation,” Huffman said.
Fagan had led the Coast Guard since 2022 and previously served as its vice commandant. Her tenure included deployments across all seven continents, from Antarctica to Africa, and various leadership roles in global maritime security operations.
Her biography, previously available on the Coast Guard’s website, has since been removed following her dismissal.
