Colonel Susannah Meyers, the commander of the U.S. military base in Greenland, has been relieved of her duties following her decision to express dissent regarding Vice-President JD Vance’s critical comments about Denmark’s security spending in the Arctic region. The U.S. Space Operations Command cited a "loss of confidence in her ability to lead" as the reason for her dismissal from the role at the Pituffik Space Base.
This controversy stems from Vance's remarks during his visit to Greenland, where he claimed Denmark was not adequately supporting the security needs of Greenlanders. Vance’s comments suggested that the U.S. had concerns that Denmark was falling short in providing for the territory it governs. In response to Vance’s rhetoric, Meyers circulated an internal email to personnel, emphasizing that his views did not represent the stance of the base, 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... are not reflective of Pituffik Space Base.”
Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell affirmed that actions undermining the chain of command or the presidential agenda would not be tolerated, indirectly confirming this was the basis for Meyers' termination. The Space Force's announcement revealed Colonel Shawn Lee as Meyers' successor.
Vance’s trip to Greenland and his remarks have been met with resistance from both the Greenlandic and Danish governments. Following the U.S. delegation's visit, Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen asserted that annexation was unacceptable and highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance Denmark's military presence in the Arctic.
As discussions surrounding Greenland’s autonomy and political future continue, recent polls indicate a desire among Greenlanders for independence from Denmark, albeit without a wish to align with the United States. The island, which has been under Danish control for over three centuries, holds the potential for an independence referendum— a right established in 2009— as political discourse around its status intensifies.
