Colonel Susannah Meyers was relieved of her command at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland after sending an email distancing the base from Vice President JD Vance’s comments regarding Denmark’s management of Greenland. The Space Operations Command announced this decision on April 11.
The removal came after Meyers wrote in an email: “I do not presume to understand current politics, but what I do know is the concerns of the U.S. administration discussed by Vice President Vance on Friday are not reflective of Pituffik Space Base.”
During Vance’s March 28 visit to the base, Vance criticized Denmark’s handling of Greenland, stating, “You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland. You have underinvested in the people of Greenland, and you have underinvested in the security of this incredible, beautiful landmass.”
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell defended the decision to remove Meyers, stating, “Actions to undermine the chain of command or to subvert President Trump’s agenda will not be tolerated at the Department of Defense.”
The Space Operations Command officially cited a “loss of confidence in her ability to lead” as Meyers’ reason for removal, emphasizing the importance of maintaining nonpartisanship in military duties.
The incident has drawn international attention. Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen opposed Vance’s remarks, maintaining that such criticism is inappropriate among allies. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has strongly rejected any possibility of U.S. acquisition of the territory.
Colonel Shawn Lee has been appointed as the new commander of Pituffik Space Base, according to Space Operations Command Public Affairs.