Space Force Commander Relieved Following Remarks Distancing Base from Trump Policy
Pituffik Space Base, Greenland — April 11, 2025
Col. Susannah Meyers, the commander of the U.S. Space Force’s Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, was officially relieved of command on Thursday following a controversial email distancing her unit from President Donald Trump’s Arctic security policy. The decision, made by Col. Kenneth Klock of Space Base Delta 1, comes in the wake of a high-profile visit to the base by Vice President J.D. Vance.
Removal for “Loss of Confidence”
In a statement from the Space Operations Command Public Affairs office, Col. Meyers was relieved “for loss of confidence in her ability to lead.” The release emphasized the expectation that commanders remain “nonpartisan in the performance of their duties” and reaffirmed that “actions to undermine the chain of command or to subvert President Trump’s agenda will not be tolerated.”
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell reinforced the message on social media:
“Actions to undermine the chain of command or to subvert President Trump’s agenda will not be tolerated at the Department of Defense.”
Col. Shawn Lee has been appointed as the new commander of Pituffik Space Base.
The Email That Prompted Action
Meyers’ removal was swift and followed within hours of a report published by Military.com, which revealed the contents of a March 31 internal base-wide message. In the email, Meyers referenced remarks made by Vice President Vance during his visit on March 28, saying the concerns voiced by the Vice President “are not reflective of Pituffik Space Base.”
The message went on to highlight unity with allied personnel stationed at the base—including Danes, Canadians, and Greenlanders—while reaffirming her intention to ensure “all our flags will fly proudly — together.”
While intended to express inclusivity, her statement was seen by senior Defense officials as undermining the civilian chain of command and deviating from the Trump administration’s articulated national security position in the Arctic.
Reaction from the Defense Department
Joe Kasper, Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense, stated unequivocally:
“Civilian control of the military is a bedrock principle of our armed forces. Actions to undermine the chain of command or to subvert President Trump’s agenda will not be tolerated.”
The incident marks the second high-profile dismissal this week. Vice Admiral Shoshana Chatfield was removed from her role as U.S. Military Representative to NATO’s Military Committee over allegations that she failed to display portraits of President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at her headquarters in Brussels.
Vice President Vance’s Visit and Remarks
During his March visit, Vice President Vance emphasized the strategic importance of Greenland to American national defense, highlighting growing Chinese and Russian interest in the Arctic. He was critical of Denmark’s perceived underinvestment in security infrastructure, asserting that President Trump’s policy seeks to rectify decades of neglect.
His remarks, delivered to troops at the remote base, echoed the administration’s view that Greenland is of significant geostrategic value and that the U.S. must lead Arctic policy—not rely solely on allies with lagging defense contributions.
Civil-Military Relations in the Spotlight
The incident at Pituffik Space Base is part of a broader recalibration of civil-military relations under the Trump administration’s second term. As the White House continues to assert strong control over the Defense Department, military leaders are being reminded in no uncertain terms of their obligation to implement and support elected leadership’s policy without political interference.
Col. Meyers’ dismissal sends a clear message that public or private deviation from this principle—particularly in sensitive areas like Arctic security—will not be tolerated.
Reporting by National Security Desk | April 11, 2025
