The U.S. Space Operations Command announced Thursday that Col. Susannah Meyers has been relieved of her command at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, citing a "loss of confidence in her leadership abilities."
The decision came after Meyers reportedly sent an email to base personnel distancing herself and the installation from critical remarks made by Vice President JD Vance during a March 28 visit. Vance had accused Denmark, Greenland’s sovereign authority, of neglecting the territory’s security and economic needs.
"Commanders are expected to adhere to the highest standards of conduct, particularly in maintaining a nonpartisan stance while executing their duties," the Space Force said in a statement. Col. Shawn Lee has been appointed as Meyers' replacement.
Vance’s Controversial Remarks
During his visit to the strategically vital base—formerly known as Thule Air Base—Vance lambasted Denmark’s governance of Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory that has drawn U.S. interest due to its Arctic position and vast mineral resources.
"Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland," Vance said. "You have under-invested in the people of Greenland and you have under-invested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass."
Three days later, Meyers circulated an email to personnel, including Danish and Greenlandic staff, stating that Vance’s comments did not reflect the base’s stance. According to Military.com, which obtained the message, she wrote: "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."
The Pentagon appeared to confirm the email’s role in her dismissal. Chief spokesman Sean Parnell linked to the Military.com report on X, stating: "Actions [that] undermine the chain of command or subvert President [Donald] Trump’s agenda will not be tolerated at the Department of Defense."
Geopolitical Tensions Over Greenland
The incident underscores escalating tensions between the U.S. and Denmark over Greenland, which President Trump has repeatedly sought to acquire, citing national security interests. The territory’s location between North America and Europe—along with its rare earth mineral deposits—has made it a focal point in Arctic competition with Russia and China.
Both Danish and Greenlandic officials have firmly rejected any U.S. annexation. During a recent visit, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told reporters: "You can’t annex other countries." Greenland’s leaders have also emphasized their commitment to eventual independence—but not under U.S. control.
Pituffik Space Base remains a linchpin in U.S. missile defense, with analysts noting its critical role in detecting potential threats over the Arctic. Marc Jacobsen of the Royal Danish Defence College told the BBC: "If Russia were to send missiles toward the U.S., the shortest route would be via Greenland. That’s why Pituffik is immensely important."
Meyers, who assumed command in July 2023, is the latest in a series of senior military officials removed under the Trump administration. The Pentagon has not provided further details on her dismissal, but the episode highlights the administration’s insistence on military alignment with its political objectives.