Tensions Rise at Pituffik Space Base Following Vice President's Visit
Just after Vice President JD Vance’s visit in March to the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, an intriguing development unfolded. The base’s commander, Col. Susan Meyers, circulated an email that sought to distance the installation from Vance’s remarks criticizing Denmark’s governance over the territory, as reported by Military.com.
Col. Meyers, who leads the 821st Space Base Group and oversees the Pentagon’s northernmost military outpost, penned a message on March 31 aimed at fostering unity among the base’s personnel, which includes airmen, Guardians, Canadians, Danes, and Greenlanders. Reflecting on Vance’s visit, she shared, “I spent the weekend pondering Friday’s events—the actions, the words, and their impact on each of you.”
“While I am not versed in current politics, I recognize that the concerns raised by Vice President Vance on Friday do not reflect the values of Pituffik Space Base,” Meyers expressed in her email, as Military.com learned.
The remarks, confirmed by the Space Force, represent a noteworthy pushback against the Trump administration’s frequent criticisms of NATO allies. Sources noted that the email was shared with all personnel, including Danes and Greenlanders stationed there.
Appointed in July, Meyers vowed, “As long as I am privileged to lead, all of our flags will proudly fly together,” reaffirming her commitment to unity.
On March 28, Vance visited the base, vocalizing his and President Trump’s ambitions for the U.S. to control Greenland, a Danish territory, while still acknowledging Greenland’s right to self-determination. Despite this, polls indicate a significant majority of Greenlanders oppose joining the U.S.
Trump has commented on possibly acquiring Greenland without force, yet hasn’t ruled out military measures. During his visit, Vance criticized Denmark for allegedly neglecting the people and security of Greenland.
Vance’s statements drew attention, as a January poll showed 85% of Greenlanders reject leaving Denmark, and a recent poll found 49% of Americans likewise oppose annexation, with just 19% in favor.
Press Secretary Taylor Van Kirk stated Vance cherished meeting the service members at Pituffik and reiterated support for Trump’s vision for an Arctic security presence, emphasizing the importance of a U.S.-Greenland partnership for global security.
The U.S. has long maintained a presence in Greenland, originating with a Danish-American radio station in the 1940s. The Thule Defense Area was established through a 1951 U.S.-Denmark defense pact, later renamed to Pituffik Space Base to reflect its service branch and Greenlandic heritage.
Following Vance’s visit, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen acknowledged Vance’s call for increased U.S. military presence yet criticized his tone, reminding that assiduity is essential between close allies like Denmark and the U.S.
The Space Force hadn’t responded to questions regarding Meyers’ email’s wider context, nor was it clear if she continued in her role following the email.
Department of Defense Chief of Staff Joe Kasper emphasized the importance of civilian control over the military, signaling that disruptions to command or deviations from Trump’s agenda are intolerable.
The Trump administration’s purge of military leaders has continued, with recent dismissals like Air Force Gen. Tim Haugh of the NSA and Vice Adm. Shoshana Chatfield, who previously served with NATO. No statements have been issued about these terminations, leaving reasons unclear for other removed leaders, such as Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown, Adm. Lisa Franchetti, and Gen. James Slife.