Staff Reports
In a bold move reminiscent of his decisive leadership style, President Trump has dismissed Coast Guard Commandant Linda Fagan, highlighting the ongoing struggle between national security priorities and the pervasive influence of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) fanaticism under the current administration. The acting secretary of Homeland Security conveyed the news, citing a troubling erosion of trust and Fagan’s neglect of essential operational readiness as primary reasons for her ousting. Her greater focus on chasing DEI accolades rather than securing the borders has cost her the top spot in the Coast Guard.
Fagan’s termination sends a clear message: the era of prioritizing political correctness over practical defense readiness is nearing its end. Amidst a backdrop of rising threats, her administration was marked by an excessive preoccupation with ideals that have little to do with the Coast Guard’s mission. Instead of preparing to face real-world challenges, Fagan appeared more interested in appeasing the DEI elites that have infiltrated every level of government. This disappointing shift in focus serves as a perfect example of why national security must not be compromised for trendy social initiatives.
Day 1 Trump's Admin | Smear Campaign Underway
Admiral Fagan, Commandant of the US Coast Guard, was not terminated primarily due to her inclusion of DEI at the academy.
She did not cooperate with a Senate investigation into the Coast Guard's cover up of sexual assault at the… pic.twitter.com/MthZvVdHFW
— Matt Tardio (@angertab) January 21, 2025
The case of Fagan raises deeper questions about the military’s commitment to excellence and readiness in the face of domestic and foreign threats. The discharge of high-ranking officials for neglecting their core responsibilities should not be a rarity. If the expectation becomes a comprehensive commitment to mission effectiveness, it stands to reason that a host of leaders throughout the armed forces could find themselves in similar predicaments. The armed forces are charged with protecting American interests — a task best handled by leaders focused on strategy rather than pandering to the latest DEI dogma.
Marine Corps Commandant General Eric M. Smith recently made headlines for his dismissal of DEI initiatives within his branch. While Fagan was busy engaging in DEI theatrics, Smith took a stance reflecting the need for meritocracy in the military. His unwillingness to engage with the DEI narrative showcases a refreshing perspective, one that underscores the importance of evaluating personnel based purely on capability. Yet, questions linger about whether his claims can be trusted in light of the pervasive DEI agenda pushed by the Biden administration across military branches.
Contrast this with Fagan’s performance, and it becomes obvious why Trump acted decisively. While many may view leadership through the lens of inclusivity and equity, Trump and his allies remain committed to a more traditional view: operational effectiveness and strict adherence to mission over social engineering. The swift execution of Fagan signifies not only discontent but also an emerging norm in military leadership: a refusal to tolerate incompetence masquerading as progressive reform. As Trump eliminates those who fail to deliver on what truly matters, the tide may just be turning toward a military focus that champions excellence over empty rhetoric.
