U.S. Base Commander in Greenland Removed after Rejecting Trump VP’s Annexation Speech

The Donald Trump administration has removed the commander of the U.S. military base in Greenland, days after Vice President J.D. Vance visited the facility and publicly called for the island's annexation.

Colonel Susan Meyers, who led the U.S. Space Force’s Pituffik Space Base, was relieved of duty shortly after she distanced the base from Vance’s speech. Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, visited the base last month and accused Denmark of neglecting Greenland. During the visit, he reiterated Trump’s longstanding desire to annex the Arctic territory.

“Our message to Denmark is very simple,” said Vance. “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 of this incredible, beautiful landmass.”

Vance also said that Greenland had to be under U.S. control to satisfy President Trump’s vision and to counter Russian and Chinese influence in the region.

Days later, Colonel Meyers addressed base personnel via email, stating that Vance’s political remarks did not reflect the views of the base or its mission. “I do not presume to understand current politics,” she wrote, “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 added: “For as long as I am lucky enough to lead this base, all of our flags will fly proudly — together.” Personnel from the U.S., Denmark, Greenland, and Canada live and work at Pituffik.

The Trump administration responded by removing Meyers from her position. In a press release issued by the Pentagon, Chief Defense Department Spokesperson Sean Pernell said, “Actions to undermine the chain of command or to subvert President Trump’s agenda will not be tolerated at the Department of Defense.”

The formal reason given was a “loss of confidence in her ability to lead,” a phrase often used by the Pentagon in dismissals without clear explanation.

The statement also stressed the importance of neutrality, saying, “Commanders are expected to adhere to the highest standards of conduct, especially as it relates to remaining non-partisan in the performance of their duties.”

President Trump, since returning to office in 2024, has called for the annexation of Greenland, the Panama Canal, Gaza Strip, and even parts of Canada. He has not ruled out the use of military force to carry out those ambitions.