Coast Guard commandant terminated over border lapses, DEI focus: source

EXCLUSIVE: The U.S. Coast Guard commander was fired over border concerns, recruiting concerns and a “loss of trust,” a senior DHS official confirmed to Fox News.

Admiral Linda Lee Fagan was fired by acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman, the official said.

Fagan has demonstrated leadership deficiencies, operational failures and an inability to advance the Coast Guard’s strategic goals.

Admiral Linda Fagan. (US Coast Guard)

These include failure to address threats to border security, inadequate leadership in recruitment and retention, mismanagement of the acquisition of key acquisitions such as icebreakers and helicopters, an excessive focus on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and a “loss of trust” due to mistreatment and cover-up. Operation Fouled Anchor begins.

Fagan served as the 27th Commandant of the Coast Guard beginning June 1, 2022. It was tasked with overseeing all Coast Guard operations worldwide and 42,000 active, 7,000 reserve and 8,700 civilian personnel, as well as supporting 21,000 Coast Guard support volunteers.