Commander Fired After Criticizing VP’s Remarks on Denmark

GREENLAND, April 11, 2025 — The commander of Pituffik Space Base, Col. Susan Meyers, was relieved of her duties on Thursday following her email response to Vice President JD Vance‘s comments during a recent visit. Her email distanced the installation from Vance’s criticisms of Denmark‘s oversight of Greenland, bringing her position into question amid a wave of administrative changes in the U.S. military.

The dismissal, confirmed by the Space Force, comes just days after Vance’s March 28th visit to the base where he accused Denmark of inadequate investment in Greenland’s security. In a March 31 email, Meyers expressed that the concerns raised by the vice president did not reflect the views held by the leadership at Pituffik. She stated, “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.”

Meyers, who took command of the 821st Space Base Group in July 2024, was seen as a stabilizing leader amid mounting tensions regarding U.S. interests in Greenland. Her sudden removal is perceived as part of a broader pattern of purges targeting military officers who are deemed insufficiently loyal to President Trump and his administration, raising concerns about the politicization of the military.

During his visit, Vance stated, “Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland. You have underinvested in the people of Greenland and in the security of this incredible, beautiful landmass.” These comments were met with criticism from Danish officials, including Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, who responded that the tone of Vance’s remarks was not appropriate for discussions between close allies.

Following the Military.com report detailing Meyers’ email, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell reiterated that actions undermining the chain of command or the president’s agenda would not be tolerated within the Defense Department. His comments were indicative of the administration’s strict stance on maintaining loyalty and nonpartisanship among military leaders.

Polling data illustrates the complex sentiments surrounding U.S.-Greenland relations; a January poll indicated that 85% of Greenlanders oppose U.S. annexation, while opposition to such actions among Americans stands at 49%, with only 19% in favor.

Meyers’ dismissal comes during a tumultuous period within the military, where several high-ranking officials have also been removed, including Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Charles Brown and Adm. Lisa Franchetti, amidst claims of being “diversity hires.” The Space Force stated that Col. Shawn Lee will now lead Pituffik Space Base following Meyers’ departure.

As the geopolitical landscape shifts, the future of U.S. military presence in Greenland remains uncertain, particularly amid heightened tensions with Russia and China, the subjects of Vance’s critique. Political leaders continue to navigate the complexities of national security and diplomatic relations as the administration seeks to reinforce its influence in the Arctic region.