Space Force Fires Greenland Base Commander Who Slammed Vance’s Remarks

The U.S. Space Force announced on Thursday that it had stripped Col. Susannah Meyers, who ran the U.S. Space Force base in Greenland, of her command after she voiced disapproval of Vice President JD Vance’s statements when he visited the base last month.

During his speech at Pituffik Space Base, Vance warned about “Russia and China and other nations  … taking an extraordinary interest in Arctic passageways and Arctic naval routes and indeed in the minerals of the Arctic territories. We need to ensure that America is leading in the Arctic because we know that if America doesn’t, other nations will fill the gap where we fall behind.”

He addressed Denmark, saying, “Let’s be honest, what Denmark over the last 20 years has failed to do in some cases, because we know that unfortunately this place, this base, the surrounding area is less secure than it was 30, 40 years ago, because some of our allies haven’t kept up.”

“There is no amount of bullying, no amount of obfuscating, no amount of confusing the issue,” he continued. “Our message to Denmark is very simple. You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland. You have underinvested in the people of Greenland, and you have underinvested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass filled with incredible people. That has to change.”

On March 31, Meyers sent an email to the troops under her command saying she had “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,” Military.com reported.

On Thursday, the Space Force announced, “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. Commanders are expected to adhere to the highest standards of conduct, especially as it relates to remaining nonpartisan in the performance of their duties. Colonel Shawn Lee has assumed command.”

“Actions to undermine the chain of command or to subvert President Trump’s agenda will not be tolerated at the Department of Defense,” Sean Parnell, the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, wrote 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.

⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/ITFeGw0kUf pic.twitter.com/MO68aje1X2

— Sean Parnell (@SeanParnellATSD) April 11, 2025

Other Republicans also voiced their approval of the decision:

Good on @PeteHegseth and his team for their quick action here. https://t.co/4ZffW15Ok4

— Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) April 11, 2025

President Trump is the Commander in Chief.

Get on board with the mission, or get out. https://t.co/XoSUwhn15t

— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) April 11, 2025

Colonel Meyers tried to politicize the Space Force and was held accountable.

Lloyd Austin isn’t SecDef anymore.

Thanks @PeteHegseth. pic.twitter.com/WNG9IgtT4w

— Senator Jim Banks (@SenatorBanks) April 11, 2025