The Trump administration removed the Greenland space base commander Thursday after discovering the leader sent out an email breaking stride with the vice president.
“Colonel Susannah Meyers, commander of Pituffik Space Base was removed from command by Colonel Kenneth Klock, commander of Space Base Delta 1, on April 10, 2025 for loss of confidence in her ability to lead,” the Space Operations Command announced in a Thursday statement.
“Commanders are expected to adhere to the highest standards of conduct, especially as it relates to remaining nonpartisan in the performance of their duties.”
Meyers, the commander of the 821st Space Base Group, sent a March 31 message to all personnel at Pituffik days after Vice President Vance gave a speech declaring the U.S. would move to take over ownership of the Arctic island.
“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 ago.
Three days later, Meyers sent out a memo saying she "spent the weekend thinking about Friday's visit -- the actions taken, the words spoken, and how it must have affected each of you."
“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," the former commander wrote in the email, which was communicated to Military.com.
Vance’s visit with his wife, second lady Usha, in addition to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and national security adviser Mike Waltz, was poorly received by Greenlanders who have repeatedly called for independence since the start of the new year.
"I commit that, for as long as I am lucky enough to lead this base, all of our flags will fly proudly -- together," Meyers's shared in the email message signaling her support for the autonomous region.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell condemned the move and said those who step out of line will be treated accordingly.
“Actions to undermine the chain of command or to subvert President Trump's agenda will not be tolerated at the Department of Defense,” Parnell wrote in a Thursday post on the social platform X.
Col. Shawn Lee assumed command after Meyers’s dismissal.
Her firing comes days after President Trump ousted National Security Agency Director Gen. Timothy Haugh, and several other high-ranking security officials, over
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