The commander of Pituffik Space Base in Greenland was relieved of duty Thursday, just hours after reports surfaced of an internal email in which she appeared to distance the installation from remarks made by Vice President JD Vance during a recent visit.
Col. Susan Meyers was removed from her post due to a “loss of confidence in her ability to lead,” according to a statement released by the U.S. Space Force Thursday evening.
“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 statement read.
The email in question, sent by Meyers to Pituffik personnel on March 31, came days after Vance’s visit and appeared to emphasize unity among the international personnel stationed at the Arctic base, which includes members from the United States, Denmark, and Greenland.
“I do not presume to understand current politics,” Meyers 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 also expressed concern over the potential impact of Vance’s remarks, stating she had spent the weekend reflecting on “the actions taken, the words spoken, and how it must have affected each of you.” Meyers ended her message with a pledge: “As long as I am in charge of the base, all of our flags will fly proudly — together.”
The message drew sharp criticism from some within the administration. “Actions to undermine the chain of command or to subvert President Trump’s agenda will not be tolerated at the Department of Defense,” Trump administration official Sean Parnell wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The Space Force has not commented further on who will assume command at Pituffik Space Base.