Trump Dismisses Four-Star Coast Guard Leader
Adm. Linda Fagan has become the first high-ranking military official to be dismissed under the new administration.
TroibNews 
Homeland Security officials have dismissed Adm. Linda Fagan from her position as the Coast Guard's commandant, according to a communication sent to service members. This marks the first time a top military officer has been fired under the Trump administration.
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamin Huffman indicated in his message that Fagan had been relieved of her duties, with Adm. Kevin E. Lunday stepping in as the acting commandant.
The communication did not specify the reason for her removal. However, Fox News reported that Fagan's efforts to address recruitment challenges and her promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives contributed to her ousting. Just hours after assuming office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order targeting such programs.
Trump has made repeated commitments to eliminate what he refers to as "woke generals" and military personnel advocating for diversity—a sentiment echoed by Pete Hegseth, who has been nominated to lead the Pentagon.
Questions directed to the Defense Department, Coast Guard, and National Security Council were referred to the Department of Homeland Security, which has not provided a response.
Adm. Fagan was notable for being the first female service chief of a branch within the U.S. military. She encountered bipartisan criticism on Capitol Hill, particularly related to the Coast Guard's long-standing mishandling of sexual harassment and assault cases.
Additionally, the Coast Guard has faced significant budgetary challenges for years, with previous commandants consistently advocating for increased funding to acquire new vessels and maintain existing ones, especially as the service assumes a more prominent role in global operations.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamin Huffman indicated in his message that Fagan had been relieved of her duties, with Adm. Kevin E. Lunday stepping in as the acting commandant.
The communication did not specify the reason for her removal. However, Fox News reported that Fagan's efforts to address recruitment challenges and her promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives contributed to her ousting. Just hours after assuming office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order targeting such programs.
Trump has made repeated commitments to eliminate what he refers to as "woke generals" and military personnel advocating for diversity—a sentiment echoed by Pete Hegseth, who has been nominated to lead the Pentagon.
Questions directed to the Defense Department, Coast Guard, and National Security Council were referred to the Department of Homeland Security, which has not provided a response.
Adm. Fagan was notable for being the first female service chief of a branch within the U.S. military. She encountered bipartisan criticism on Capitol Hill, particularly related to the Coast Guard's long-standing mishandling of sexual harassment and assault cases.
Additionally, the Coast Guard has faced significant budgetary challenges for years, with previous commandants consistently advocating for increased funding to acquire new vessels and maintain existing ones, especially as the service assumes a more prominent role in global operations.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
