In a surprising move, the US military has removed Col. Susannah Meyers from her position at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, following her attempt to clarify comments made by Vice-President JD Vance regarding Denmark's support for the Greenlandic people.
**US Military Chief in Greenland Dismissed Amid Political Controversy**
**US Military Chief in Greenland Dismissed Amid Political Controversy**
Col. Susannah Meyers relieved of duties after distanced from JD Vance's remarks on Denmark
Col. Susannah Meyers, the commanding officer of the US military base in Greenland, has been dismissed amidst escalating political tensions surrounding US relations with Denmark. The decision, announced by the US military's Space Operations Command, stemmed from her email distancing the base from Vance's critical remarks about Denmark's contributions to security in Greenland.
Vance's comments, made during a visit to the Danish territory, stated that Denmark was failing to adequately support Greenlanders. In response, Col. Meyers conveyed, through an internal email, that Vance's remarks did not accurately represent the sentiment at Pituffik Space Base. Her email read, "I do not presume to understand current politics, but what I do know is the concerns of the US administration discussed by Vice-President Vance... are not reflective of Pituffik Space Base."
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell emphasized that actions undermining leadership within the Department of Defense would not be tolerated, suggesting this was a critical factor in her removal. In the wake of Meyers' departure, Col. Shawn Lee has been appointed as her successor.
Vance's tour of Greenland followed his earlier controversial proposal for the US government to annex the territory, which drew strong backlash from both Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic leadership, who united in their opposition to such claims. Frederiksen remarked, "You can't annex other countries," confirming Denmark's commitment to strengthening its military presence in the Arctic and fostering collaboration with the United States.
Greenland's strategic significance has long captured American military interest, especially given its geographical position amid rising tensions with Russia. Formerly under Danish control for roughly 300 years, recent public sentiment in Greenland indicates a desire for independence from Denmark, although there is little interest in American annexation.
Greenland’s political landscape is evolving, with calls for a referendum on independence gaining traction, potentially reshaping its relationship with both Denmark and the United States in the future.
Vance's comments, made during a visit to the Danish territory, stated that Denmark was failing to adequately support Greenlanders. In response, Col. Meyers conveyed, through an internal email, that Vance's remarks did not accurately represent the sentiment at Pituffik Space Base. Her email read, "I do not presume to understand current politics, but what I do know is the concerns of the US administration discussed by Vice-President Vance... are not reflective of Pituffik Space Base."
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell emphasized that actions undermining leadership within the Department of Defense would not be tolerated, suggesting this was a critical factor in her removal. In the wake of Meyers' departure, Col. Shawn Lee has been appointed as her successor.
Vance's tour of Greenland followed his earlier controversial proposal for the US government to annex the territory, which drew strong backlash from both Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic leadership, who united in their opposition to such claims. Frederiksen remarked, "You can't annex other countries," confirming Denmark's commitment to strengthening its military presence in the Arctic and fostering collaboration with the United States.
Greenland's strategic significance has long captured American military interest, especially given its geographical position amid rising tensions with Russia. Formerly under Danish control for roughly 300 years, recent public sentiment in Greenland indicates a desire for independence from Denmark, although there is little interest in American annexation.
Greenland’s political landscape is evolving, with calls for a referendum on independence gaining traction, potentially reshaping its relationship with both Denmark and the United States in the future.
