WASHINGTON – The commanding officer of the U.S. Space Force installation in Greenland has been relieved of her duties. This action follows an email she dispatched across the base, which reportedly contradicted official communications after Vice President JD Vance's recent visit to the territory. President Donald Trump has expressed interest in acquiring Greenland from Denmark.
In a statement released late Thursday, the Space Force indicated that Col. Susan Meyers was removed from her position as commander of Pituffik Space Base in Greenland due to a "loss of confidence in her ability to lead."
The Space Force statement emphasized that "Commanders are expected to maintain the highest standards of behavior, especially regarding remaining unbiased in the performance of their duties."
According to reports, Col. Meyers' email, sent following Vance's visit two weeks prior, defended the base's relationship with both Denmark and Greenland.
A U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, verified that Col. Meyers sent the email, confirming its contents showed support for Greenland and Denmark. This official provided additional details that had not been previously released.
Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, is a strategically important location and a NATO ally of the United States. President Trump's interest in annexing Greenland has caused diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Denmark, particularly after Vance's visit in late March. Trump has not ruled out the use of military force to acquire the territory.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell addressed the situation in a post on X, stating that "actions to undermine the chain of command or to subvert President Trump's agenda will not be tolerated at the Department of Defense."
Col. Meyers' termination is the most recent in a series of dismissals of high-ranking military officials, including several women.
The Trump administration has previously removed Adm. Lisa Franchetti (Chief of Naval Operations), Adm. Linda Fagan (U.S. Coast Guard Commandant), and Vice Adm. Shoshana Chatfield (the only woman on NATO's military committee).
Other notable firings include Gen. CQ Brown Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Gen. Tim Haugh, commander of U.S. Cyber Command and director of the National Security Agency.