US government dismisses military base leader in Greenland over conflicting views

The United States has fired Colonel Susannah Meyers, the head of the US military base in Greenland for criticising Washington’s agenda for the Arctic island.

Meyers, who has been in charge of the Pituffik Space Base since July, was relieved of her duties after reports surfaced indicating that she had distanced both herself and the base from US Vice President JD Vance’s recent comments criticizing Denmark and its management of the region during his visit a fortnight ago.

In a statement issued late Thursday, the US Space Force emphasized that commanders are required to uphold the highest standards of conduct, particularly in maintaining nonpartisanship while fulfilling their responsibilities.

The statement did not, however, expand further, but US website Military.com said Meyers sent a March 31 email to all personnel at Pituffik “seemingly aimed at generating unity among the airmen and guardians, as well as the Canadians, Danes and Greenlanders who work there, after Vance’s appearance.”

Vance, during his March 28 visit to the base, told a press conference that their message to Denmark was very simple that they had not done a good job by the people of Greenland.

“You have under-invested in the people of Greenland and you have under-invested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass,” he said.

In her email, relayed to Military.com, Meyers wrote: “I do not presume to understand current politics, but what I do know is the concerns of the US administration discussed by Vice President Vance on Friday are not reflective of Pituffik Space Base.”

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated in a message on X that any attempts to disrupt the chain of command or undermine President Trump’s agenda will not be accepted by the Department of Defense.

Trump has maintained that the United States requires control over Greenland for both national and global security and has not dismissed the possibility of using force to achieve this.

The US Space Force announced that Colonel Shawn Lee will be taking over from Meyers.