Greenland, April 12, 2025 – The Trump administration removed Colonel Susannah Meyers from her position as commander of Pituffik Space Base in Greenland on Thursday, April 10, after she sent an email distancing herself from Vice President JD Vance’s recent statements about U.S. intentions to take control of the Arctic island. The Space Operations Command announced that Meyers was relieved of her duties by Colonel Kenneth Klock, commander of Space Base Delta 1, due to a “loss of confidence in her ability to lead.”
The dismissal stems from a March 31 email Meyers sent to all personnel at Pituffik, following Vance’s visit to the base with his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. During the visit, Vance declared that the U.S. anticipated Greenlanders would seek independence from Denmark through self-determination, paving the way for discussions with the U.S. “What we think is going to happen is that the Greenlanders are going to choose, through self-determination, to become independent of Denmark, and then we’re going to have conversations with the people of Greenland from there,” Vance told reporters two weeks prior.
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In her email, obtained by Military.com, Meyers expressed discomfort with Vance’s remarks, stating, “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.” She added, “I commit that, for as long as I am lucky enough to lead this base, all of our flags will fly proudly — together,” signaling her support for Greenland’s autonomy. The visit had already sparked backlash among Greenlanders, who have increasingly demanded independence since early 2025.
The Space Operations Command emphasized that commanders must adhere to strict nonpartisan standards. “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 command stated. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell echoed this sentiment on X, writing, “Actions to undermine the chain of command or to subvert President Trump’s agenda will not be tolerated at the Department of Defense.”
Colonel Shawn Lee has assumed command of the 821st Space Base Group following Meyers’s removal. The firing comes amid a broader shakeup in the Trump administration, which recently ousted National Security Agency Director Gen. Timothy Haugh and other senior security officials over loyalty concerns. Meanwhile, the administration faces separate criticism over the arrest of Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil, whose lawyer has called the detention unconstitutional, further highlighting tensions over the administration’s policies.
Key Points:
- Colonel Susannah Meyers was removed as commander of Pituffik Space Base in Greenland on April 10, 2025, by Colonel Kenneth Klock of Space Base Delta 1 for “loss of confidence in her ability to lead.”
- Meyers sent a March 31 email to base personnel, distancing herself from Vice President JD Vance’s remarks about U.S. plans to take over Greenland after it gains independence from Denmark.
- Vance had visited the base with his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, stating Greenlanders would likely choose independence, leading to U.S. discussions with them.
- Meyers’s email emphasized that Vance’s views did not reflect the base’s stance, pledging that “all of our flags will fly proudly — together,” showing support for Greenland’s autonomy.
- The move drew backlash from the Pentagon, with spokesperson Sean Parnell stating on X that actions undermining the chain of command or President Trump’s agenda would not be tolerated.
- Greenlanders have been pushing for independence since early 2025, and Vance’s visit was poorly received by the local population.
- Colonel Shawn Lee assumed command of the 821st Space Base Group following Meyers’s dismissal.
- The firing follows recent removals of other high-ranking officials, including National Security Agency Director Gen. Timothy Haugh, over loyalty disputes within the Trump administration.
