Commandant Of Coast Guard Sacked Over Border Lapses, DEI Focus
The Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard has been relieved of her duties over concerns related to border security, recruitment struggles, and an “erosion of trust,” a senior official from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed to Fox News.
Admiral Linda Lee Fagan, 61, was removed from her position by Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Benjamine Huffman due to alleged leadership deficiencies and operational shortcomings, as reported by the official.
According to the source, Fagan failed to advance the strategic objectives of the Coast Guard, citing issues such as inadequate responses to border security threats, shortcomings in recruitment and retention efforts, and delays in acquiring critical equipment like icebreakers and helicopters. Her focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, along with her handling of Operation Fouled Anchor, further eroded trust, the official added.
One of the significant criticisms was Fagan’s inability to effectively deploy Coast Guard resources to combat national border security threats, including operations to intercept fentanyl and other illicit substances. The lack of coordination with DHS to prioritize maritime border operations was also highlighted.
Recruitment and retention failures under her leadership worsened the Coast Guard’s operational readiness, with little evidence of innovative strategies to address these issues in critical specialties. Additionally, the acquisition of essential assets, including icebreakers and helicopters, faced persistent delays and cost overruns, undermining readiness in strategic regions like the Arctic. These challenges had already been flagged during President Trump’s first administration, yet accountability measures were reportedly lacking.
Critics also argued that Fagan’s emphasis on DEI initiatives at the Coast Guard Academy diverted attention and resources from operational priorities.
Operation Fouled Anchor, the internal investigation into sexual assault cases at the Coast Guard Academy, further complicated Fagan’s tenure. The investigation, which spanned 2014 to 2019, was not disclosed until 2023, leading to accusations of a cover-up. The mishandling of the investigation has “deeply eroded trust” in the Coast Guard among the public, lawmakers, and military personnel.
Fagan faced tough questioning from senators during a Capitol Hill hearing this summer, where she was criticized for failing to hold anyone accountable for the cover-up and for withholding requested documents related to the academy’s handling of the matter. A DHS official remarked that the Coast Guard’s failure to address systemic problems reflected a “leadership culture” unwilling to ensure accountability and transparency.
Admiral Fagan, who took office as the 27th Commandant of the Coast Guard on June 1, 2022, made history as the first woman to lead the Coast Guard or any branch of the U.S. military. During her tenure, she oversaw global operations, managing 42,000 active-duty personnel, 7,000 reservists, 8,700 civilian employees, and supporting 21,000 Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers.
In the meantime, the new Department of Homeland Security under President Trump is set to prioritize mass deportations, fulfilling his campaign pledge to address illegal immigration. Trump’s team has criticized the Biden-Harris administration for allowing over 10 million undocumented migrants into the country.
Tom Homan, the incoming border czar and a seasoned immigration enforcer, initially planned to launch operations in Chicago. However, during an appearance on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle, Homan said those plans were adjusted after a leak raised concerns for ICE agents’ safety.
Speaking with Fox News host Jesse Watters on Friday, Homan outlined the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement strategy, promising ICE would “finally” be allowed to carry out its duties by deporting millions of undocumented migrants.
When asked about reports of nationwide raids, Homan confirmed aggressive plans. “There’s going to be a big raid all across the country,” Watters noted, to which Homan responded that ICE would begin deportations “on day one” and enforce immigration laws “without apology.”