Coast Guard Commandant Removed for DEI Emphasis

U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Linda Lee Fagan has been fired by the Trump administration.

A memo confirming the matter read, “Under my statutory authority as the Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security I have relieved Admiral Linda L. Fagan of her duties as Commandant of the United States Coast Guard. She served a long and illustrious career, and I thank her for her service to our nation.”

Admiral Kevin E. Lunday is now Acting Commandant of the United States Coast Guard.

According to a report from Fox News, Fagan failed to “address border security threats,” exhibited “insufficient leadership in recruitment and retention” and “mismanagement in acquiring key acquisitions such as icebreakers and helicopters,” and displayed “excessive focus on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.”

Fagan also contributed to the “erosion of trust” over the cover-up of Operation Fouled Anchor, an internal investigation addressing sexual assault cases at the Coast Guard Academy. Last year, Fagan appeared before Congress where she was questioned for her failure to hold people accountable for the cover-up.

An unnamed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official told Fox News that the failure to address the issues found through the investigation drew attention to the lack of accountability and transparency in protecting servicemembers.

Resurfaced videos show Fagan discussing the DEI outcomes at the Coast Guard Academy.

“We currently have nearly 40 percent women enrolled at the Coast Guard Academy,” Fagan previously said. “I’m really excited about the talent and diversity I see coming through the academy, I am really excited about the future as we look ahead.”

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