Linda Lee Fagan, Commander U.S. Coast Guard

Dismissal date: 21 January 2025. Fagan was the first woman to lead a branch of the US armed forces in uniform and had come to the top of the Coast Guard after a long operational and command career. Her removal was announced by the Department of Homeland Security (Dhs), which spoke of 'leadership deficiencies, operational failures' and an inability to advance the force's strategic objectives. A senior Dhs official added, among the reasons, a focus deemed 'excessive' on 'Dei' (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) policies. Fagan was a historical figure and, moreover, the Coast Guard - although an armed force - depends on the Department of Homeland Security and not on the Pentagon.