Colonel Susan Meyers, the head of the US military base in Greenland, has been dismissed after criticizing comments made by Vice President JD Vance. This incident unfolded following Vance’s visit to the Pituffik Space Base on March 28, where he expressed controversial views regarding Denmark’s governance of Greenland.
Meyers, who leads the 821st Space Base Group, sent an email to her staff on March 31, reflecting on Vance’s remarks and their potential impact on personnel. In her message, she clarified that the concerns raised by the Vice President do not represent the views of the Pituffik Space Base community.
The US Space Force emphasized the importance of political neutrality among its commanders, stating that they must uphold high standards of conduct. This statement came after Vance criticized Denmark for its oversight of Greenland and suggested that Greenlanders would benefit more from being part of the US.
In the wake of Meyers’ dismissal, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that actions undermining President Trump’s agenda would not be tolerated. Republican Senator Eric Schmitt praised the swift action taken by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, while another senator, Jim Banks, accused Meyers of attempting to politicize the Space Force.
Meyers’ termination has sparked discussions about the political climate within the military. Greenland, a territory of Denmark, has seen mixed reactions to the idea of US annexation. While some Greenlanders support independence, polls indicate little enthusiasm for becoming part of the United States.
Vance’s visit and comments have drawn criticism, particularly as he claimed that both China and Russia pose risks to Greenland. His statements were seen as part of a broader narrative that has included calls from former President Trump for the US to acquire Greenland for strategic reasons.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions regarding Greenland’s governance and the geopolitical interests of major powers in the Arctic region. As the US military base employs personnel from multiple countries, including Denmark and Canada, the implications of such political actions are significant for international relations in the area.