The U.S. Coast Guard’s Commandant, Adm. Linda Lee Fagan, has been removed from her position due to concerns related to border security, recruitment challenges, and a decline in institutional trust, a senior Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official has confirmed.
The Acting Secretary of Homeland Security, Benjamine Huffman, cited deficiencies in leadership and operational management, along with Fagan’s inability to meet the strategic priorities of the Coast Guard, as reasons for the decision. Key issues included the failure to effectively address border security threats, inadequate recruitment and retention efforts, and mismanagement of critical procurement projects, such as icebreakers and helicopters.
Fagan’s tenure was marked by criticism for prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which, according to the official, detracted from operational goals. Trust in the Coast Guard was further eroded by the handling of Operation Fouled Anchor, an internal investigation into sexual assault cases at the Coast Guard Academy, which remained undisclosed until 2023 despite being conducted between 2014 and 2019.
Specific concerns included the ineffective use of Coast Guard resources to combat border security challenges, such as intercepting fentanyl and other illegal substances, as well as insufficient coordination with DHS to strengthen maritime border operations. Additionally, recruitment and retention struggles under Fagan’s leadership exacerbated operational readiness issues, with a lack of innovative solutions to address staffing shortages in critical roles.
The acquisition of key platforms, such as icebreakers and helicopters, faced persistent delays and cost overruns, undermining the Coast Guard’s capabilities in strategic regions, including the Arctic. These procurement challenges had been previously flagged during President Trump’s administration, with no significant progress under Fagan’s leadership.
Fagan faced intense scrutiny during a congressional hearing in mid-2023 for failing to hold individuals accountable for the mishandling of Operation Fouled Anchor. Lawmakers criticized her for withholding requested documents and failing to address systemic issues highlighted by the investigation, further damaging confidence in her leadership.
Appointed as the 27th Commandant of the Coast Guard on June 1, 2022, Fagan oversaw global operations and the management of over 42,000 active-duty members, 7,000 reservists, 8,700 civilian employees, and 21,000 auxiliary volunteers. She was the first woman to lead the Coast Guard or any branch of the U.S. military.