Handling of sexual assault investigations More than a year after Fagan became Commandant, in mid-2023, news broke that Coast Guard officials had conducted an investigation from 2014 to 2018 of rape and sexual assault at the Coast Guard Academy, but had not briefed Congress about their investigation when it concluded. After listening to four women describe being sexually assaulted while Academy cadets, members of the
Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations probing a "culture of cover-up" vowed to hold past and current Coast Guard leadership accountable. "We're going to pursue those two individuals and others," said Connecticut Senator
Richard Blumenthal, Chairman of the Subcommittee, referring to retired Admiral
Karl L. Schultz, the former
commandant of the Coast Guard, and his successor Fagan. On December 19, 2023, the Subcommittee stated in a press release and a letter to Fagan, "It is clear from this testimony, and the Subcommittee's inquiry to date, that the Coast Guard's culture of cover-up has allowed sexual assault and sexual harassment to persist for decades, both at the Academy and in the Coast Guard. It is equally apparent that accountability and systematic change at both the Coast Guard and the Academy are necessary to address past failures and to ensure that future cadets are protected." The Subcommittee demanded a "swift response" to the inquiry and further indicated that "[s]hould the Coast Guard continue to withhold or redact requested records, PSI will have no choice but to utilize other means to ensure compliance with congressional oversight."
Relieved from command She was relieved of command on January 21, 2025, by acting
Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman. Fagan had two years remaining in her appointed four-year term. A statement by an unnamed Homeland Security senior official, first reported by Fox News and later other news agencies, proposed that the relief was due to "failure to address border security threats, insufficient leadership in recruitment and retention, mismanagement in acquiring key acquisitions such as icebreakers and helicopters, excessive focus on
diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and an 'erosion of trust' over the mishandling and cover-up of Operation Fouled Anchor." This firing exists in the larger context of the
second Trump administration's vow to eliminate DEI programs in federal government agencies. Congressman
Rick Larsen denounced the decision, claiming it was misguided, reckless, and would harm Coast Guard readiness. Senator
Maria Cantwell also opposed the removal, claiming the coverup of Operation Fouled Anchor happened before Fagan took command, and that "firing a commandant at will by a new president also sets a bad precedent. The complexity of the Coast Guard's diverse missions requires continuity to protect lives and American interests." According to media reports, she was evicted from her residence on February 4 with three hours' notice. ==Awards and decorations==