WASHINGTON (TNND) — The commander of the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland was removed shortly after Vice President JD Vance’s visit due to “loss of confidence in her ability to lead.”
“Actions to undermine the chain of command or to subvert President Trump’s agenda will not be tolerated at the Department of Defense,” Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell wrote in a statement on X Thursday.
Following Vance’s visit to the island in March, Military.com reported that Col. Susan Meyers sent a message to all personnel at Pituffik seemingly pushing against the vice president’s action and comments during the trip.
The commander reportedly wrote in the email, “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.”
Col. Shawn Lee took over Meyers’ position, according to a news release from Space Operations Command.
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 statement read.
The removal comes as President Donald Trump maintains his push for the U.S. to take over the island despite widespread opposition in the country and among its leaders, who formed a coalition government ahead of Vance’s visit and have banded together against becoming a part of America.
In remarks to troops at the base, Vance criticized Denmark for allegedly failing to invest enough in the security of Greenland as China and other adversarial nations have ramped up their interests in the region.
“Our message to Denmark is very simple,” Vance said. “You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland.”
