Col. Susannah Meyers, the commander of Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, was removed from her post on Thursday, just two weeks after U.S. Vice President JD Vance visited the facility. The United States Space Force confirmed the action, citing a “loss of confidence” in her leadership. The removal comes amid heightened political sensitivity over President Donald Trump’s renewed push to bring the Danish-controlled island under U.S. control.

The dismissal followed the circulation of an internal email in which Col. Meyers appeared to distance herself and the base from the Vice President’s politically charged statements made during his March 28 visit. In 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 Department of Defense has since confirmed the authenticity of the email.

White House Agenda vs. Military Neutrality

Shortly after Meyers’ email was reported by Military.com, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell reposted the article on X (formerly Twitter) with a warning: “Actions to undermine the chain of command or to subvert President Trump’s agenda will not be tolerated at the Department of Defense.” A Space Force spokesperson clarified that her dismissal was due to her failure to maintain the required standards of conduct, specifically regarding political neutrality. “Commanders are expected to adhere to the highest standards of conduct, especially as it relates to remaining nonpartisan in the performance of their duties,” the official said.

Command of Pituffik Space Base has now been transferred to Col. Shawn Lee, according to the Space Force.

Political Backdrop: U.S. Interest in Greenland Renewed

Vice President Vance’s visit to the base in late March included strong criticism of Denmark’s governance of Greenland. He accused Denmark, a NATO ally, of “not doing a good job by the people of Greenland” and claimed the country had “underinvested in the security architecture.” During his visit with Second Lady Usha Vance, he also raised the possibility of Greenland pursuing independence from Denmark, stating that the U.S. would “have conversations with the people of Greenland from there.” Vance added that he did not foresee military action being necessary to assert U.S. interests on the island, echoing earlier sentiments from President Trump.

Pituffik Space Base, situated in northwestern Greenland, is the U.S. military’s northernmost installation and holds strategic importance dating back to the Cold War era. The base has been a symbol of U.S.-Danish cooperation in Arctic defense and remains crucial for American space and missile surveillance systems.

Local and International Reactions to U.S. Ambitions

President Trump has consistently shown interest in acquiring Greenland, citing national security as a primary concern. However, the proposal has faced strong opposition from political leaders in both Greenland and Denmark. According to a recent poll, roughly 85% of Greenlanders oppose joining the United States.

The firing of Col. Meyers adds a new dimension to the ongoing political debate and raises questions about the balance between military professionalism and political alignment. As the Biden-era policies continue to be dismantled, Trump’s Arctic ambitions may reignite broader geopolitical tensions in the region.

The development also underscores the sensitivity within military leadership about remaining apolitical, especially when high-ranking officials publicly express positions that clash with White House narratives.