President Donald Trump on Tuesday removed Admiral Linda Fagan, the first woman to lead one of the six US military services as the head of the Coast Guard.
Although it is not yet clear why Fagan was removed, several news sources have cited alleged "leadership deficiencies." In a note to service members, the acting Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretary Benjamine Huffman said Fagan had served a long and illustrious career, and 'I thank her for her service." AFP while quoting a senior official from the DHS overseeing the service said Fagan was dismissed "because of her leadership deficiencies, operational failures, and inability to advance the strategic objectives of the US Coast Guard." The admiral failed to address border security threats, mismanaged acquisitions, including helicopters, and put "excessive focus" on diversity, equity and inclusion programs, the official said on condition of anonymity.
There was also an "erosion of trust" in the Coast Guard due to its 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," AFP's article noted.
Fox News also indicated that Fagan is accused of ineffective deployment of Coast Guard assets to support national border security, including in intercepting fentanyl and other illicit substances. She also had insufficient coordination with DHS to prioritize operations along maritime borders.
