President Donald Trump’s administration has dismissed Admiral Linda Fagan, the first woman to lead a U.S. military service, from her role as head of the Coast Guard.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees the Coast Guard, has yet to provide a public statement on the decision.
However, Fox News reported that a senior official attributed the removal to Fagan’s alleged failure to address border security issues, an overemphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and concerns over a “erosion of trust” related to the Coast Guard’s handling of sexual assault investigations.
Trump, who has made border security a top priority and criticized diversity programs, declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border on his first day in office.
In a message to the Coast Guard, acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman expressed gratitude for Fagan’s service, stating, “She had a long and distinguished career, and I thank her for her service to our nation.”
Admiral Fagan had led the Coast Guard since 2022 and previously served as its vice commandant.
Her career, which included assignments across all seven continents—from Antarctica’s Ross Island to Africa, Tokyo, and Geneva—was widely regarded. However, her biography, which once highlighted her achievements, has since been removed from the Coast Guard’s website.
