By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Colonel Susannah Meyers, who headed the US military base in Greenland, a territory of Denmark being eyed by US President Donald Trump has been removed from office for criticising Washington’s agenda for the Arctic island.
Meyers, who had served as commander of the Pituffik Space Base since July, was removed amid reports that she distanced herself and the base from US Vice President JD Vance’s criticism of Denmark and its oversight of the territory during his visit to the base two weeks ago, an AFP report indicates.
“Commanders are expected to adhere to the highest standards of conduct, especially as it relates to remaining non-partisan in the performance of their duties,” the US Space Force said in a statement on Thursday.
Though the Force did not offer further explanation, a US website said Meyers sent an email on 31 March 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, following Vance’s appearance.”
During his 28 March visit to the base, Vance told a press conference: “Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have 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 added.
In her email, obtained by the US military website, 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 spokesman Sean Parnell, taking to X, said: “Actions to undermine the chain of command or to subvert President Trump’s agenda will not be tolerated at the Department of Defense.”
Trump has insisted that the United States needs control of Greenland for national and international security and has refused to rule out the use of force to secure it.
Meyers has been replaced by Colonel Shawn Lee, the US Space Force said.
