Space Force Col. Susan Meyers, commander of Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, sparked controversy after sending a base-wide email distancing herself from Vice President J.D. Vance’s remarks during his March 28 visit. Vance had reinforced President Donald Trump’s stance that Greenland’s strategic importance has been neglected by Denmark and requires stronger U.S. leadership for Arctic security. Instead of aligning with the administration’s position, Col. Meyers issued a statement suggesting Vance’s comments did not reflect the base’s mission—a move critics argue undermines civilian leadership.
During his visit, Vance emphasized Greenland’s critical role in U.S. missile defense and Arctic dominance, echoing President Trump’s long-standing concerns about Denmark’s failure to secure the region against growing Russian and Chinese threats.
“President Trump, as he says all the time and as a lot of people recognize, is a president of peace,” Vance stated. “We want to have good relationships with everybody; that includes even, to the extent possible, the Chinese and the Russians. But part of having good relations is showing your strength when you have to.”
Vance didn’t mince words about Denmark’s shortcomings:
“Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland, you have underinvested in the people of Greenland, and you have underinvested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass filled with incredible people. That has to change.”
These remarks highlight the Trump administration’s commitment to strengthening Arctic security—a policy that has faced resistance from both foreign allies and, apparently, some within the U.S. military.
In a March 31 email obtained by Military.com, Meyers wrote:
“I do not presume to understand current politics, but what I do know is the concerns of the U.S. administration discussed by Vice President Vance on Friday are not reflective of Pituffik Space Base.”
She added, “I commit that, for as long as I am lucky enough to lead this base, all of our flags will fly proudly—together.”
This statement, while framed as a call for unity, reads as a direct rejection of the administration’s stance—raising concerns about military leaders overstepping their role. The Department of Defense swiftly responded, with Chief of Staff Joe Kasper stating:
“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 at the Defense Department.”
Predictably, the liberal media has downplayed Meyers’ insubordination, framing her email as a noble stand rather than a breach of protocol. Where was this same energy when military leaders openly criticized Trump during his first term? The double standard is glaring.
President Trump has consistently prioritized U.S. security in the Arctic, recognizing Greenland’s strategic value in missile defense and countering Russian and Chinese expansion. Vance’s remarks were a firm reinforcement of that vision—one that deserves unwavering support from all military personnel, not public dissent.