Trump Fires First Woman To Lead US Military Service

President Donald Trump has removed Admiral Linda Fagan — the first woman to lead one of the six US military services — from her position as head of the Coast Guard, citing alleged “leadership deficiencies.”

Gatekeepers News reports that acting Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Benjamine Huffman announced this in a statement on Tuesday to the Coast Guard, “She served a long and illustrious career, and I thank her for her service.”

However, a senior DHS official—whose department oversees the Coast Guard—was more critical, stating that Fagan was dismissed “due to leadership deficiencies, operational failures, and an inability to advance the strategic objectives of the US Coast Guard.”

The official, speaking anonymously, alleged that Fagan failed to address border security threats, mismanaged acquisitions such as helicopters, and placed “excessive focus” on diversity, equity, and inclusion programmes.

The dismissal was also linked to an “erosion of trust” following the Coast Guard’s handling of an investigation into sexual assault allegations.

“The failure to adequately address the systemic issues exposed by this investigation has underscored a leadership culture unwilling to ensure accountability and transparency,” the official added.

Review of Senior Officers
Trump and other Republicans have consistently criticised government programmes aimed at fostering diversity, while border security remains a cornerstone of the president’s agenda. On Monday, the first day of his second term, Trump declared a national emergency at the US-Mexico border.

Trump’s relationship with the armed forces has been marked by contradictions. While frequently praising their strength, he has also claimed the military was depleted and needed rebuilding.

He has publicly clashed with former top US military officer Mark Milley, whose portrait at the Pentagon was removed on the same day as Trump’s second inauguration.

Pete Hegseth, Trump’s as-yet-unconfirmed nominee for Secretary of Defence, indicated last week that senior officers “will be reviewed based on meritocracy, standards, lethality, and commitment to lawful orders,” hinting at the possibility of further dismissals.

Admiral Fagan, who had led the Coast Guard since 2022, previously held posts including Vice Commandant of the service. Her archived biography, no longer available on the Coast Guard’s website, highlighted her distinguished service across all seven continents, from the snows of Ross Island in Antarctica to Africa, Tokyo, and Geneva, as well as numerous ports around the world.

AFP