Coast Guard Commandant terminated over border lapses, recruitment, DEI focus: official

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The head of the U.S. Coast Guard has been let go due to concerns about the U.S.-Mexico border, recruitment issues and a "loss of trust," a high-ranking Department of Homeland Security official confirmed to Fox News.

Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Benjamine Huffman has terminated Adm. Linda Lee Fagan, according to an official statement.

Fagan has shown a lack of leadership ability, operational shortcomings, and an inability to move the Coast Guard's strategic goals forward.

These include a lack of effort in addressing border security threats, a shortage of effective leadership in recruiting and keeping personnel, poor management in acquiring crucial assets like icebreakers and helicopters, an overemphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and a "loss of trust" caused by mishandling and covering up the Operation Fouled Anchor scandal.

Fagan served as the 27th Commandant of the Coast Guard, beginning on June 1st, 2022. She was responsible for overseeing all global Coast Guard operations and led a workforce consisting of approximately 57,700 personnel, which includes 42,000 active-duty members, 7,000 reserves, and 8,700 civilians, in addition to receiving support from about 21,000 Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers.

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Coast Guard Commandant fired over border oversights, recruitment issues, and focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.