The Pentagon has fired the commander of the U.S. Space Force base in Greenland.
Col. Susannah Meyers was removed after distancing the base from Vice President JD Vance’s visit. In an email to staff, she wrote, "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."
She also said, "I had spent the weekend thinking about Friday's visit — the actions taken, the words spoken, and how it must have affected each of you." The message, sent March 31, was first reported by Military.com.
The Space Force announced Meyers' removal for "loss of confidence in her ability to lead." They emphasized commanders must remain nonpartisan in their roles.
"Commanders are expected to adhere to the highest standards of conduct," Space Force said.
Col. Shawn Lee has taken over command of the 821st Space Base Group.
The Pentagon made its stance clear. "Actions to undermine the chain of command or to subvert President Trump's agenda will not be tolerated at the Department of Defense," said spokesperson Sean Parnell on X.
Meyers had only assumed command in July, according to a Facebook post. Republican senators quickly backed the firing.
"Colonel Meyers tried to politicize the Space Force and was held accountable," Sen. Jim Banks wrote. "Lloyd Austin isn’t SecDef anymore."
During his visit, Vice President Vance criticized Denmark's treatment of Greenland.
"You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland," Vance said. "You have underinvested in the people of Greenland, and you have underinvested in the security of this incredible, beautiful landmass."
He also warned Denmark wasn't protecting Greenland from China or Russia. Vance's trip marked the highest-level U.S. visit to Pituffik Space Base. The Trump administration has openly prioritized acquiring Greenland.
"We need Greenland for national security and international security," President Trump said on March 11.
"So, we'll, I think, we'll go as far as we have to go," he said. "Denmark has to have us have Greenland. And, you know, we'll see what happens."
"I view it from a security standpoint, we have to be there," Trump added.