President Donald Trump’s administration has removed Admiral Linda Fagan, the first woman to lead a US military service, from her position as head of the Coast Guard.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees the Coast Guard, did not immediately respond to queries regarding Fagan’s dismissal on Tuesday.
According to Fox News, a senior official cited reasons including her failure to address border security threats, excessive emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a loss of trust due to the Coast Guard’s handling of sexual assault investigations.
Trump, along with many Republicans, has criticised government diversity initiatives and prioritised border security, declaring a national emergency at the US-Mexico border on the first day of his new term.
Acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman acknowledged Fagan’s contributions, stating, “She served a long and illustrious career, and I thank her for her service to our nation,” in a message to the Coast Guard.
Fagan had led the Coast Guard since 2022, previously serving as its vice commandant. Her career spanned all seven continents, from Antarctica’s Ross Island to Africa and from Tokyo to Geneva, as detailed in her now-archived biography.