WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump has dismissed Adm. Linda Lee Fagan, the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, over what officials described as a series of leadership failures and a loss of trust, according to a senior Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official.
The decision, announced Monday, was carried out by Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Benjamin Huffman. Officials cited multiple concerns, including border security shortcomings, recruitment struggles, and mismanagement of critical acquisitions such as icebreakers and helicopters.
The administration also pointed to Adm. Fagan’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, which it argued diverted attention from the Coast Guard’s core mission. Additionally, her handling of “Operation Fouled Anchor”—an internal investigation into allegations of sexual assault at the Coast Guard Academy—was highlighted as a significant factor in her removal, with officials alleging mishandling and lack of transparency.
“Leadership deficiencies and an erosion of trust in the command structure made this decision necessary,” the DHS official said.
Adm. Fagan, 61, made history as the first woman to lead the Coast Guard. The administration has not yet named a replacement, but interim leadership will manage operations until a new commandant is appointed.