
(TheRedAlertNews.com) – In one of the very first moves of Donald Trump’s new presidential administration, it has dismissed Admiral Linda Fagan, the first female leader of a U.S. armed forces branch, as part of a shift from perceived diversity overreach back to strict operational readiness.
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Fagan was relieved from her command by the Trump administration soon after his second presidential term began.
Fagan, who was nominated by former President Joe Biden in 2021, faced criticism for leadership deficiencies, challenges in recruitment, and a focus deemed excessive on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies.
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamin Huffman explicitly cited “leadership deficiencies, operational failures, and inability to advance the strategic objectives of the U.S. Coast Guard” as reasons for her dismissal, reports Fox News.
The senior Department of Homeland Security official highlighted Fagan’s DEI policies contributing to her firing.
The Trump administration has expressed strong intentions to abolish DEI programs across federal agencies, signaling a broader push for traditional leadership in military and government sectors.
Allegations against the Coast Guard under Fagan’s command included mishandling sexual assault cases and mismanagement of key acquisitions, like the icebreaker programs.
Following her removal, Adm. Kevin Lunday was appointed as acting chief.
Fagan’s dismissal has ignited discussions on balancing diversity efforts with mission readiness in the military.
Democrat lawmakers like Rep. Joe Courtney criticized the firing as “abuse of power,” stressing admiration for her achievements.
Nonetheless, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee supported the action, pointing to accountability issues.
Adm. Fagan’s tenure was marked by efforts to modernize the Coast Guard, achieving recruitment goals for the first time since 2007.
Yet, critics argue her focus strayed too far from pressing security concerns.
On another note, retired Adm. Thad Allen defended Fagan, stating her leadership was politically scrutinized, not performance-driven.
The Coast Guard faces challenges, including calls for budget enhancements to support national security roles further.
“She has faced the most difficult challenges in a responsible, forthright and forward-looking manner … always acting in the best interest of the service. Her dismissal is not a matter of her performance. It is political performance. One that should cause great concern for current and future military leader,” commented retired Adm. Thad Allen, cited by Military.com.
Elon Musk, serving as a Trump adviser, criticized spending on DEI initiatives as undermining military focus and border security.
This adds weight to the rationale behind Fagan’s termination amid ongoing debates about political agendas influencing military command structures.
The Trump Administration is right to fire Commandant Fagan for the U.S. Coast Guard’s mishandling and cover-up of Operation Fouled Anchor.
Our investigation revealed how USCG concealed Operation Fouled Anchor from Congress, failed to address both historic and persistent sexual…
— Oversight Committee (@GOPoversight) January 21, 2025
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