US Military Leadership Shake-Up Linked to Controversial Remarks on Greenland

Tue Sep 30 2025 18:15:48 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Colonel Susannah Meyers is dismissed from her position at Pituffik Space Base for distancing herself from Vice-President JD Vance's critical comments toward Denmark regarding security in Greenland.

The U.S. military has removed Colonel Susannah Meyers from her command at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland after she publicly disagreed with Vice-President JD Vance's criticism of Denmark's security efforts in the region. The decision highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding U.S.-Denmark relations as Greenland navigates its autonomy and the potential for future independence.

The commander of a U.S. military base in Greenland has been fired following her decision to distance herself from remarks made by Vice-President JD Vance about Denmark's responsibility in the Arctic region. Colonel Susannah Meyers was removed from her position at Pituffik Space Base as the U.S. military's Space Operations Command cited a "loss of confidence in her ability to lead."

In a recent trip to Greenland, Vance criticized Denmark, claiming it had failed to invest adequately in the security of the territory. After these comments, an email allegedly sent by Col Meyers expressed that Vance's opinions did not align with the perspective at Pituffik. Military publications confirmed the email's authenticity, indicating that it expressed dissent towards Vance's remarks and the broader agenda from Washington.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell underscored that actions undermining the chain of command or the administration's policy would not be tolerated within the Department of Defense. Subsequently, Colonel Shawn Lee has been appointed as Meyers' replacement, emphasizing the need for military leaders to adhere to nonpartisanship and high standards of conduct in executing their responsibilities.

During Vance's visit, he reiterated former President Donald Trump's controversial interest in annexing Greenland for security purposes. However, leaders from both Denmark and Greenland have rallied against U.S. annexation claims, asserting their sovereignty, with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen firmly addressing Trump by stating, "You can't annex other countries."

At around 300 years under Danish control, Greenland has seen a shift in sentiment regarding independence, with polls indicating a strong desire among its people to break away from Danish governance, though not necessarily to align with U.S. authority. A right to an independence referendum has existed since 2009 but has gained renewed urgency among various political factions in the territory. As tensions rise over political intentions and territorial security in the Arctic, both Denmark and Greenland continue to assert their autonomy and unity against external pressures.