Vice President JD Vance (2R) and Second Lady Usha Vance (2L) listen to Col. Susannah Meyers (L), then-commander of the Pituffik Space Base, on a tour in Greenland on March 28. Photo: Jim Watson/Pool/AFP via Getty Images
The Pentagon removed a Greenland base commander on Thursday after she sent an email critical of Vice President JD Vance’s comments about Denmark, multiple outlets reported.
Why it matters: The Pentagon said it would not tolerate officials who undermine President Trump’s agenda.
- Col. Susannah Meyers was removed from her leadership post at Pituffik Space Base “for loss of confidence in her ability to lead,” a Space Operations Command statement said.
Driving the news: “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,” Meyers wrote in the March 31 email, per Military.com.
- She said that as long as she led the base, all countries’ flags would fly together.
What they’re saying: “Actions to undermine the chain of command or to subvert President Trump’s agenda will not be tolerated at the Department of Defense,” Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said on X.
- Col. Shawn Lee will take on the role at Pituffik.
- “Commanders are expected to adhere to the highest standards of conduct, especially as it relates to remaining nonpartisan in the performance of their duties,” the Space Force statement said.
Catch up quick: In his March visit, Vance claimed that Denmark failed to keep Greenland safe, and that Trump would make the island “much more secure” and economically stronger.
- Trump later said nothing was off the table in his desire to acquire Greenland, including “military force.”
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