The Trump administration has terminated Admiral Linda Lee Fagan, the first woman to lead a branch of the US armed forces, citing alleged leadership and operational shortcomings, international media reported.

Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamin Huffman announced Fagan’s dismissal, claiming it was due to “leadership deficiencies, operational failures, and an inability to advance the strategic objectives of the US Coast Guard.”

Fagan, who was nominated by former President Joe Biden in 2021, had a notable career as the Coast Guard’s first female uniformed leader.

A senior Department of Homeland Security official indicated that Fagan’s “strong focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives contributed to her removal.”

Trump has expressed intentions to eliminate DEI programmes within federal agencies, which aimed to enhance diversity in the military.

The Coast Guard has faced scrutiny over issues such as sexual assault complaints and allegations of racism and hazing.

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Democratic Congressman Rick Larsen criticised Fagan’s dismissal as “misguided” and warned it could negatively impact the Coast Guard’s readiness.

The service has been under investigation for its handling of sexual assault cases in the past.

While Trump adviser Elon Musk hinted at a shift away from DEI programmes in a social media post, he did not directly address Fagan’s firing.

Musk stated that spending on DEI initiatives at the expense of military and border security is “no longer acceptable.”