Coast Guard Fired DEI Hire Left U.S. Defense Networks Wide Open to Foreign Adversaries

Just days after President Donald Trump dismissed U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Linda Fagan, a new report has revealed significant cybersecurity lapses within the military branch, leaving critical systems vulnerable to foreign adversaries and hackers.

BREAKING: The Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard Linda Fagan, has been terminated over her failure to address border security and her excessive focus on DEI – FOX pic.twitter.com/xjcaRv0wij

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 21, 2025

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The Homeland Security inspector general confirmed Wednesday that the Coast Guard failed to follow mandated cybersecurity procedures, exposing sensitive data and even Pentagon networks to potential breaches.

The report identified at least three Coast Guard computer systems that transmit data to and from the Department of Defense Information Network (DODIN) that did not comply with required security measures. As a result, investigators warned that national security had been placed at risk.

“The three systems we reviewed, and other similarly situated systems in the Coast Guard’s enterprise, are vulnerable to cybersecurity weaknesses and exposed to un-assessed risks that could result in the unauthorized disclosure or compromise of sensitive Coast Guard information,” the inspector general’s report stated.

“Adversaries also could leverage these cybersecurity weaknesses to compromise the DODIN, placing DoD and Coast Guard personnel, assets, and the Nation at risk,” the report continued.

Investigators detailed several major security lapses, including the Coast Guard’s failure to:

• Control logical access to privileged user accounts
• Control or monitor physical access to server rooms
• Develop contingency plans with detailed recovery procedures or conduct annual reviews
• Address high and critical-severity vulnerabilities in a timely manner

The report also found that three of the vulnerabilities identified had been previously exploited by foreign adversaries to infiltrate computer systems.

“The DHS’s Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency identified that adversaries have previously exploited 3 of 30 vulnerabilities we reviewed and may be able to cause immediate damage to systems containing the vulnerabilities and increase the risk to the DODIN,” the watchdog warned.

The report’s findings come during a period of transition in the Coast Guard’s leadership.

On his second day in office, President Trump dismissed Commandant Linda Fagan, the first woman to lead a branch of the U.S. military.

BREAKING.

Adm. Linda Lee Fagan, the Coast Guard commandant, has been terminated for putting DEI ahead of national securitypic.twitter.com/SOsOpIyqps

— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) January 21, 2025

Reports indicated that the administration cited border security weaknesses and an “excessive focus” on diversity, equity, and inclusion as reasons for her removal.

Days later, Fagan was reportedly evicted from her government housing.

The inspector general’s report underscored the Coast Guard’s inadequate focus on cybersecurity responsibilities, noting that its policies “did not always align with DoD requirements.”

Additionally, the agency’s chief information officer “continued to operate those systems and 35 other Coast Guard systems without authorizations to operate,” according to the findings.

Security lapses were so significant that one server room’s automated entry control system was not functioning properly.

Instead of addressing the issue, officials issued physical keys to a lever door lock and disabled the room’s magnetic lock. The report included photographic evidence of the unsecured door.

Additionally, investigators discovered a “critical‑severity vulnerability” in one Coast Guard system that required a classified warning for mitigation.

The Coast Guard acknowledged the findings and agreed with most of the inspector general’s recommendations.

Officials said corrective measures have been ordered to address the security risks identified in the report.

This latest revelation adds to a growing list of cybersecurity failures across federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security’s own cyber protection agency.

The report serves as another warning of the vulnerabilities facing U.S. military and government networks, particularly as threats from adversaries such as China, Russia, and Iran continue to escalate.

As federal agencies work to bolster cybersecurity, the Coast Guard’s deficiencies highlight the urgent need for improved oversight and compliance to protect national security.

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