In a dramatic move, the U.S. military removed Colonel Susan Meyers, the commander of Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, following her disagreement with the Trump administration’s policies regarding Greenland.
U.S. Military Removes Commander of Greenland Base
The decision came after an email Meyers sent to base personnel, distancing the base from Vice President JD Vance’s controversial remarks during his visit to the base in March 2024. The Pentagon explained that the decision to relieve her of duty was due to a “loss of confidence” in her ability to lead.
Meyers’ dismissal reflects the growing influence of political loyalty within the U.S. military under the Trump administration. Pentagon officials emphasized that military commanders are expected to remain neutral and uphold high conduct standards, especially when it comes to remaining nonpartisan in their roles. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell further stated, “Actions to undermine the chain of command or to subvert President Trump’s agenda will not be tolerated at the Department of Defense.”
While Meyers was removed for her behavior in relation to political matters, the Pentagon made it clear that military leadership must stay focused on their core mission and refrain from engaging in political discussions that could undermine the chain of command. Her removal came shortly after Military.com published a report detailing her email, which set off a chain of events leading to her reassignment.
JD Vance’s Controversial Visit
Vice President JD Vance’s March 2024 visit to Pituffik Space Base triggered the events that led to Colonel Susan Meyers’ removal. Vance, representing the Trump administration, emphasized the president’s desire to secure Greenland for the U.S., despite strong opposition from Denmark and Greenland. He criticized Denmark for not supporting Greenland enough and highlighted the U.S.’s need to be more active in the region, aligning with Trump’s aggressive stance on Greenland.
In response, Colonel Meyers sent an email to base personnel distancing the base from Vance’s remarks, stating that the concerns raised were “not reflective of Pituffik Space Base.” She reassured her diverse team, including Greenlandic, Danish, and Canadian personnel, which all flags would fly proudly together. This message contradicted the political tone set by the administration, leading to her reassignment. The Pentagon’s decision emphasized the importance of military leaders aligning with the official U.S. government stance on sensitive political matters like Greenland.
Broader Purge of Military Officials
Meyers’ removal is not an isolated case. It forms part of a broader pattern of purges within the U.S. military under the Trump administration. At least 10 senior military officers have been removed from their posts in recent months, with some being reassigned or dismissed for not fully supporting Trump’s policies. Among these removals was the dismissal of a Navy admiral who had been serving as the U.S. military representative to NATO’s Military Committee. These actions reflect a larger effort by Trump to target military leaders and senior officials he perceives as disloyal or oppositional to his political agenda.
The removals have been part of a wider campaign by the administration to eliminate or sideline officials seen as adversaries, both within the military and other government agencies. The Trump administration has dismissed senior officials from the Justice Department, revoked security clearances, and even initiated investigations into some individuals who opposed the president during his first term. The military dismissals, including that of Colonel Meyers, highlight how political alignment and loyalty to the president have become key factors in military leadership.
Meyers’ reassignment further exemplifies the political tensions that have arisen within the U.S. military in recent years, where military leaders are increasingly required to demonstrate loyalty to the president and his policies. While the Pentagon maintains that the military must remain nonpartisan, the growing influence of politics within the military is evident in these ongoing purges.
