Official statements or press releases from the U.S. Department of Justice or the Coast Guard

Trump Administration Terminates First Woman Coast Guard Commandant Linda Fagan Over Border Security, DEI Focus

Jan 21, 2025, 05:48 PM

Admiral Linda Lee Fagan, the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, has been terminated by the Trump administration, as confirmed by Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Benjamine Huffman. The decision was based on Fagan's alleged leadership deficiencies, operational failures, and inability to advance the Coast Guard's strategic objectives. Specific reasons cited include her failure to address border security threats, insufficient leadership in recruitment and retention, mismanagement of key acquisitions such as icebreakers and helicopters, and an excessive focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Additionally, there was an 'erosion of trust' due to the mishandling and cover-up of Operation Fouled Anchor, an internal investigation into sexual assault cases at the Coast Guard Academy. Fagan, who became the first woman to lead a branch of the U.S. military in June 2022, has been replaced by Vice Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday in an acting capacity until a permanent replacement is confirmed by the Senate.