In a dramatic and unexpected defeat, US Coast Guard Adm. Linda Fagan, the first woman to command an armed branch of the armed forces, discovered she had been shot while waiting to take a photo with President Donald Trump at the Commander’s Ball.
The revelation marked a very public and liberating end to her illustrious career, as the Trump administration acted quickly on its promise to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across federal agencies.
Shot at the ball: general exit
Admiral Linda Fagan, who was appointed by former President Joe Biden in 2021, learned about the separation moments before a photo opportunity with President Trump, According to sources. Her shooting was later certain Representing Benjamin Huffman, Homeland Security Secretary Benjamin Hoffman in a statement thanked her for her service.
Hoffman cited “leadership deficiencies, operational failure, and inability to advance the US Coast Guard’s strategic objectives” as reasons for its removal. Notably, its “excessive” focus on DEI policies has been flagged as an important factor.
Rear Adm. Kevin Lunday, previously serving as second in command, was appointed effective immediately as acting Commander of the Coast Guard.
Trump’s anti-D.A. agenda
President Trump has wasted no time in fulfilling his campaign pledge to eliminate DEI initiatives within federal agencies. On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order titled “End Extreme and Wasteful Government DEI Programs,” which mandates the closure of all DEI offices and the dismissal of employees involved in such initiatives. The agencies were ordered to place all DEI employees on paid leave by the next day and develop layoff plans by the end of January 2025.
The order condemned DEI programs as divisive and wasteful, saying they “violate the letter and spirit of our longstanding federal civil laws” and undermine “traditional American values of hard work, excellence, and individual achievement.”
Backlash and repercussions
The removal of Admiral Fagan drew criticism, especially from Democratic lawmakers and advocates for diversity in the armed forces. Congressman Rick Larsen denounced the decision as “misguided,” warning that it would hurt Coast Guard readiness and morale. Critics also argue that DEI initiatives were necessary to address long-standing issues within the Coast Guard, such as allegations of racism, sexual misconduct, and misconduct.
Supporters of DEI programs see Trump’s actions as a step backwards for progress made in increasing representation and equity within federal agencies. However, supporters of the move, including conservative activists, have celebrated the pushback, viewing DEI initiatives as a form of “identity politics” that undermines meritocracy.
Admiral Fagan’s firing is part of a larger pattern under the Trump administration, which has targeted DEI initiatives across government and private sectors. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision striking down affirmative action in college admissions, momentum against DEI policies has intensified. Major companies, including Target, Meta, and Walmart, have expanded their diversity programs.