U.S. Coast Guard Commander Gen. Linda Fagan, the first uniformed female leader of a military branch in U.S. history, was fired by the Trump administration late Monday without explanation.
In a message sent to all Coast Guard personnel on Tuesday, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Benjamin Huffman relieved Fagan of her duties as Coast Guard commander, saying she had “a long and distinguished career and is a great service to our nation.” Thank you for your contribution.” .
Coast Guard Commander Adm. Linda Fagan testifies during the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee Oversight Hearing on Sexual Assault in the Coast Guard on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)
The statement said former Coast Guard deputy commander Adm. Kevin Lunday will become acting commander, but did not provide other details about the change.
Fagan’s online biography was not available Tuesday morning, and a listing of the service’s senior leaders on the Coast Guard’s official website showed a blank space under “commander.”
California sues Trump administration over executive order abolishing birthright citizenship
Fagan is also the Coast Guard’s first female four-star admiral and served as the service’s 27th commander since June 1, 2022.
Pete Hegseth, President Trump’s pick to head the Pentagon, said if confirmed his top priority would be to eliminate diversity and equity efforts within the military.
Source link
