Trump Removes First Female Coast Guard Leader Over DEI Policies, Border Security Failures

Jan 21, 2025, 04:36 PM

Admiral Linda Fagan, the first woman to lead a branch of the U.S. military, has been removed from her position as Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard by the Trump administration. Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamin Huffman cited leadership deficiencies, operational failures, and an inability to advance the Coast Guard's strategic objectives as reasons for her dismissal. Specific criticisms included her failure to address border security threats, ineffective deployment of Coast Guard assets, insufficient coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, and significant recruitment challenges. Fagan's focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies was also criticized for diverting resources from operational priorities. Her tenure was further marred by delays in acquiring icebreakers, failures in intercepting fentanyl shipments, and inadequate accountability for acquisition failures in strategic regions. Additionally, her handling of Operation Fouled Anchor, an internal investigation into sexual assault cases at the Coast Guard Academy, contributed to an erosion of trust. Fagan had served as Commandant since June 2022, overseeing global Coast Guard operations and its personnel. Vice Commandant Admiral Kevin Lunday has been named Acting Commandant.