Head of US military base in Greenland fired after JD Vance visit
The head of the US military base in Greenland, a Danish territory coveted by Donald Trump, has been fired for criticising Washington's agenda for the island.
Col Susannah Meyers, who had served as commander of the Pituffik space base since July, was removed amid reports she had distanced herself and the base from JD Vance's criticism of Denmark and its oversight of the territory during the US vice-president's visit to the base two weeks ago.
The US Space Force said in a statement on Thursday night: '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 did not expand further, but the US website military.com said Meyers sent an email to all personnel at Pituffik on 31 March 'seemingly aimed at generating unity among the airmen and guardians, as well as the Canadians, Danes and Greenlanders who work there, following Vance's appearance'.
During his 28 March visit to the base, Vance told a press conference: 'Our message to Denmark is very simple: you have not done a good job by the people of Greenland. You have under-invested in the people of Greenland and you have under-invested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful land mass.'
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In her email, relayed to military.com, Meyers wrote: '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 on Friday are not reflective of Pituffik space base.'
The Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said on X: 'Actions to undermine the chain of command or to subvert President Trump's agenda will not be tolerated at the Department of Defense.'
Trump has insisted the US needs control of Greenland for national and international security and has refused to rule out the use of force to secure it.
Meyers had been replaced by Col Shawn Lee, the US Space Force said.
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