The administration of President Donald Trump has dismissed Admiral Linda Fagan, the first woman to lead a U.S. military service, from her role as the head of the Coast Guard. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees the Coast Guard, has yet to issue a statement regarding her removal.
Fox News, citing a senior official, reported that Fagan’s dismissal stemmed from several concerns, including her handling of border security threats, her focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and issues surrounding the Coast Guard’s response to sexual assault investigations. President Trump, who has consistently prioritized border security and voiced opposition to government diversity programs, declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border on Monday, the first day of his new term.
Acknowledgment of Service Amid Controversy
Acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman acknowledged Fagan’s contributions, saying, “She served a long and illustrious career, and I thank her for her service to our nation,” in a message to the Coast Guard.
Admiral Fagan had served as the Coast Guard’s leader since 2022, with a distinguished career spanning multiple continents, including Antarctica, Africa, and Asia. Her biography, which highlighted her extensive service and leadership, has since been removed from the Coast Guard’s official website.