No one saw this coming. But consequences have to be made in a situation like this.
And a top U.S. Military officer was fired after making this disturbing statement about JD Vance.
U.S. Space Force Removes Greenland Base Commander After Controversial Email
In a surprising turn of events, the U.S. Space Force has relieved Col. Susannah Meyers of her command at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, citing a “loss of confidence in her ability to lead.” The decision, announced late Thursday by Space Operations Command, follows a mass email Meyers sent to her troops that appeared to distance herself from remarks made by Vice President JD Vance during his visit to the base on March 28.
Meyers, who took charge of the 821st Space Base Group in July 2024, addressed her roughly 200 airmen and guardians in a message that was later obtained by Military.com and verified by the Space Force.
In it, she reflected on Vance’s visit, writing, “[I] spent the weekend thinking about Friday’s visit — the actions taken, the words spoken, and how it must have affected each of you.” She went on to say, “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.”
Her email, sent on March 31, seemed to respond to Vance’s comments about the possibility of annexing Greenland, a topic that has stirred debate due to President Trump’s repeated interest in acquiring the island. Meyers emphasized unity, adding, “I commit that, for as long as I am lucky enough to lead this base, all of our flags will fly proudly — together.”
The move was highly unusual for a commanding officer. Publicly challenging the executive branch is generally seen as a breach of military protocol, as it risks signaling disunity within the U.S. armed forces.
The Space Force’s statement highlighted the expectation for commanders to uphold “the highest standards of conduct, especially as it relates to remaining nonpartisan in the performance of their duties.”
Meyers, a seasoned officer with nearly two decades in the Air Force before transitioning to the Space Force in 2021, oversaw operations at the northernmost U.S. military installation, home to about 650 personnel, including civilian contractors from Greenland, Denmark, and Canada. During Vance’s visit, she reportedly discussed her upcoming retirement plans, according to the New York Post. She also shared a lighthearted moment with the vice president, laughing over a certificate in her office about polar plunges that mentioned “lusty seals.”
The Space Force swiftly appointed Col. Shawn Lee as Meyers’ replacement. The decision to remove her drew strong reactions, including from Sean Parnell, assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs, who posted on X, “Actions to undermine the chain of command or to subvert President Trump’s agenda will not be tolerated at the Department of Defense.”
Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, including Sens. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), also took to X to commend the Department of Defense for its prompt action.
Vance’s visit to Pituffik Space Base sparked controversy beyond Meyers’ email. The vice president criticized Denmark’s stewardship of Greenland, stating that Copenhagen had not done a “good job by the people of Greenland” and had underinvested in the island’s “security architecture.”
He framed Greenland’s strategic importance in light of potential threats from Russia and China, echoing Trump’s vision for a stronger U.S. presence in the Arctic. “When the president says ‘We’ve got to have Greenland,’ he’s saying this island is not safe,” Vance told the New York Post.
However, Vance clarified that any partnership with Greenland would depend on its 57,000 residents choosing independence first. His remarks drew a sharp response from Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, who expressed frustration with the Trump administration’s approach.
“We are open to criticism, but let me be completely honest — we do not appreciate the tone in which it is being delivered,” Rasmussen said in a video on X. He pointed to the 1951 U.S.-Denmark agreement that allows American bases in Greenland and stressed the shared NATO responsibilities between the two nations.
Pituffik Space Base, originally established as the Thule Defense Area under Air Force control, was rebranded in 2023 when the Space Force assumed oversight. The base plays a critical role in Arctic security and space operations, making the leadership transition a significant moment for U.S. military strategy in the region.
Vance’s press secretary, Taylor Van Kirk, released a statement affirming the vice president’s commitment to advancing Trump’s agenda. “Vice President Vance is grateful for his visit to Pituffik Space Base and for the opportunity to meet with our brave servicemen and women stationed there,” she said. “President Trump has made his vision for an enhanced security footprint in the arctic abundantly clear, and the Vice President is committed to implementing the President’s agenda.”
The episode highlights the delicate balance military leaders must strike in maintaining neutrality while navigating politically charged discussions. For now, Pituffik Space Base moves forward under new leadership as the U.S. continues to assert its interests in the Arctic.
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