Trump Administration Dismisses Coast Guard Commandant

January 21, 2025 TruthUSA

Adm. Linda Fagan has been relieved of her position in a memo released on Tuesday by the acting secretary of Homeland Security.

The commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, Adm. Linda Fagan, has been removed from her role by the acting head of the Department of Homeland Security, as stated in a memo circulated on Tuesday.

Fagan took on her responsibilities in June 2022 under the Biden administration. President Donald Trump has designated Adm. Kevin Lunday, the vice commandant, to step in as the Coast Guard’s commandant, pending Senate confirmation.

In the message issued by Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Benjamine Huffman, he indicated that he has relieved Fagan “of her duties as Commandant of the United States Coast Guard,” commending her for a “long and illustrious career” and expressing gratitude for her service to the nation.

During the transitional period, Lunday will take on the role of acting commandant of the Coast Guard “and will assume all authorities and responsibilities of the office,” Huffman noted in the memo.

No explanations were provided regarding Fagan’s removal from her post, and she has not publicly responded.

Fagan was commended by several Senate Republicans during her 2022 nomination process, with GOP members of the Senate Commerce Committee asserting that then-President Joe Biden had “finally nominated an excellent leader,” emphasizing the importance of timely proceedings to ensure the Coast Guard is not without leadership.

Former Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas had also referred to Fagan as “a tremendous leader, trailblazer, and respected public servant” in a statement released by Homeland Security at the time.

The Coast Guard is responsible for enforcing both U.S. and international laws while responding to various incidents. It also regulates and inspects maritime facilities and vessels and protects U.S. maritime borders.

Although the Coast Guard is currently part of Homeland Security, Trump and his nominee for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, have indicated a forthcoming reshuffle within the U.S. military under the new administration.

“Every senior officer will be evaluated based on meritocracy, standards, performance capability, and their adherence to lawful orders,” Hegseth, a decorated veteran and Fox News host, remarked during his recent Senate confirmation hearing.

Hegseth and Trump have also expressed criticism towards diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the military and federal government. Hegseth, having previously opposed women in combat roles, appeared to soften his stance during the Senate hearing.

Trump has appointed South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to head Homeland Security; she recently passed the Senate Homeland Security Committee in a bipartisan vote and will face a full Senate vote soon.

In addition to overseeing the agency managing the Coast Guard, Noem will have the responsibility of governing U.S. immigration and border agencies. Trump has pledged to prioritize the curtailment of illegal immigration and enhancement of border security, having already signed multiple executive orders since assuming office on Monday.

“Protecting our homeland is a serious, sacred responsibility that must be diligently pursued and never taken for granted,” Noem commented during her Senate hearing last week.

Source link