Colonel Removed from US Greenland Base After Vice President’s Visit
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The commander of the United States military installation in Greenland was dismissed from her post following Vice President JD Vance’s recent visit and related political tensions. Col. Susannah Meyers, who had led Pituffik Space Base since July, was removed by the U.S. Space Force due to a “loss of confidence” in her leadership.
Dismissal Follows Response to Vice Presidential Remarks
The U.S. Space Force issued a statement noting that commanders are held to high standards, particularly in maintaining political neutrality. While the official announcement did not specify reasons, reports suggest Meyers was relieved after sending a message to base personnel distancing the installation from Vice President Vance’s comments about Denmark’s administration of Greenland.
Meyers’ message reportedly aimed to foster unity among American, Canadian, Danish, and Greenlandic personnel at the base. According to Military.com, her email stated that the concerns voiced by Vance “are not reflective of Pituffik space base.”
Vance Criticizes Denmark During Visit
Vice President Vance visited Pituffik Space Base on March 28, delivering remarks that called for greater U.S. control over Greenland due to rising threats from China and Russia. He criticized Denmark for what he described as underinvestment in Greenland and its people. Originally, his wife, Usha Vance, was scheduled to lead the visit, which included cultural stops, but plans were changed amid political sensitivities.
During his appearance, Vance stated, “You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland,” adding that Denmark had also neglected the region’s security infrastructure.
Pentagon and Administration React
Following Meyers’ internal communication, Pentagon officials emphasized the importance of following the chain of command. Department of Defense spokesperson Sean Parnell posted on X that any actions undermining President Trump’s agenda would not be tolerated.
Col. Shawn Lee has been appointed to replace Meyers as commander of the base.
Part of Broader Personnel Changes
Col. Meyers’ removal appears to align with a broader trend of leadership changes within the Trump administration’s defense policy ranks. Recent changes include the dismissal of Air Force Gen. Tim Haugh, director of the National Security Agency, and Vice Adm. Shoshana Chatfield, formerly with NATO.
Joe Kasper, Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense, reiterated that civilian oversight of the military remains a foundational principle and stated that insubordination toward presidential policy would face consequences.
Background on U.S.–Greenland Relations
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, which oversees its foreign and defense affairs. The U.S. maintains strategic interests in Greenland, with Pituffik Space Base serving as a key military and space operations hub. President Trump has previously suggested the U.S. should pursue control of the Arctic island for strategic reasons.
The Danish defense department declined to comment on the leadership change. Pituffik Space Base has also not released a statement as of publication.
