President Donald Trump’s administration has removed Admiral Linda Fagan, the first woman to lead a US military service, from her role as Coast Guard commander.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which controls the Coast Guard, has not yet responded to the firing. However, Fox News reported a senior official who ascribed the decision to Fagan’s claimed inability to handle border security issues, an overemphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a perceived “erosion of trust” caused by the Coast Guard’s handling of sexual assault investigations.
Trump, who has emphasized border security and criticized diversity programs, declared a national emergency at the US-Mexico border on Monday, the first day of his new term.
In a message to the Coast Guard, acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman acknowledged Fagan’s service, stating, “She served a long and illustrious career, and I thank her for her service to our nation.”
Admiral Fagan has led the Coast Guard since 2022, having previously served as its vice commandant. Her impressive career encompassed deployments on all seven continents, from Antarctica’s Ross Island to Africa, Tokyo, and Geneva. Her biography, which highlighted her achievements, is no longer available on the Coast Guard’s website.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
