Trump administration fires head of US Coast Guard on 2nd day in office

WASHINGTON

The US’ new Donald Trump administration on Tuesday fired the head of the US Coast Guard, relieving Adm. Linda Fagan of her command in the latest step in a long-promised federal government overhaul.

Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman said in a memo to guard personnel that Fagan, the first uniformed woman to lead a military service branch, has been relieved of her duties following a "long and illustrious career." No reason was given for Fagan's unceremonious ouster, which came one day after Trump was sworn in as president.

"I thank her for her service to our nation," he said. Adm. Kevin Lunday has been appointed acting commandant.

An anonymous official told CNN that Fagan was removed from her post for several reasons, including a "failure to address border security threats" and "excessive focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion policies” – the type of policy that Trump has vowed to do away with.

The official also pointed to shortfalls in recruitment under Fagan, though CNN noted that the guard actually met, and in some cases surpassed, its goals in October – the first time it did so in six years.