Washington DC – President Donald Trump has dismissed Admiral Linda Fagan as the head of the US Coast Guard, citing “lack of leadership.” Fagan was the first woman to lead one of the six armed forces within the US military.
Fagan’s dismissal, as reported by AFP on Wednesday (Jan 22, 2025), was announced by Acting Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Benjamine Huffman, in a statement on Tuesday (Jan 21) local time.
“She (Fagan) has had a long and distinguished career, and I am grateful for her service,” Huffman said in a message to the US Coast Guard.
However, a senior DHS official overseeing the service provided a much more critical statement, stating that Fagan was removed due to “lack of leadership, operational failures, and an inability to meet the strategic goals of the US Coast Guard.”
According to the unnamed DHS official, Fagan failed to address border security threats, mismanaged acquisitions including helicopters, and placed “excessive focus” on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
The senior DHS official also mentioned “a breakdown of trust” in the US Coast Guard due to its handling of investigations into allegations of sexual harassment.
“The failure to address systemic issues highlighted in these investigations has underscored a culture of leadership unwilling to ensure accountability and transparency,” the DHS official added.
Fagan had been serving as the Commandant of the US Coast Guard since 2022 and previously held various positions, including Vice Commandant of the US Coast Guard.
Her dismissal comes as Trump and the Republican Party have long opposed government programs aimed at promoting diversity, with border security remaining a top priority for Trump. On his first day in office, Trump declared a national emergency at the US-Mexico border.
Trump has had a contentious relationship with the US Armed Forces, sometimes praising their strength while claiming they have been weakened and need rebuilding. He has also clashed with former top US military officials, including Mark Milley, whose portrait at the Pentagon was removed on the same day Trump was inaugurated for his second term on Monday (Jan 21) local time.
Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense yet to be confirmed by Congress, stated last week that senior military officers “will be evaluated based on meritocracy, standards, lethality, and commitment to lawful orders.” This suggests further dismissals may be forthcoming.
