Trump Fires TSA and Coast Guard Chiefs, Disbands Key Aviation Security Panel

President Trump initiates sweeping changes at Homeland Security, removing top officials and dismantling advisory committees central to aviation and maritime safety.

• President Trump terminated TSA Administrator David Pekoske and Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan before the end of their terms, sparking criticism from lawmakers and former officials.
• The Aviation Security Advisory Committee, established after the 1988 PanAm 103 bombing, was effectively disbanded as all its members were removed, leaving its future uncertain.
• Adm. Linda Fagan, the first female service chief of the Coast Guard, was credited for addressing sexual misconduct issues and achieving recruitment and drug interdiction milestones during her tenure.
• TSA Administrator Pekoske, initially appointed by Trump and reappointed by Biden, oversaw pay raises for TSA officers and the expansion of facial recognition technology at airports.
• The Department of Homeland Security stated the changes were part of efforts to align resources with national security priorities, but critics argue the moves jeopardize aviation and maritime safety.

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