US Vice President JD Vance’s scathing criticism of Denmark’s oversight of Greenland has sparked a major shake-up at the US Space Base in Pituffik, with Colonel Susannah Meyers relieved of her command following a high-level visit.
US Space Base Chief Fired After Vice President’s Visit to Greenland
The head of the US military outpost in Greenland, Colonel Susannah Meyers, has been relieved of her command at Pituffik Space Base after a loss of confidence in her leadership abilities. The base chief had sought to separate her command from comments by US Vice President JD Vance, who was highly critical of Denmark’s oversight of the territory.
Background on US Interest in Greenland
The United States has long been interested in gaining control of Greenland due to its strategic location between Europe and North America, as well as its rich supply of valuable rare earth metals. The US president has insisted that the United States must take control of Greenland for national and international security. However, Danish and Greenlandic officials, supported by the European Union, have insisted that Washington will not obtain Greenland.
The United States has maintained a strategic interest in Greenland since World War II.
In the 1940s, the US government established Thule Air Base on the northern tip of Greenland to monitor 'Soviet nuclear tests' and provide early warning systems for potential attacks.
After the Cold War, the US continued to invest in Greenland's infrastructure, including a $100 million airport renovation project in Ilulissat.
Today, the US maintains a small military presence in Greenland through the Thule Air Base, which serves as a key surveillance post for the 'North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)'.
History of Greenland’s Relationship with Denmark
Greenland was founded by Norse explorer Erik the Red in the 10th century, laying the foundation for future European claims. In the early 1700s, Denmark-Norway re-established contact with Greenland, which was inhabited by the Inuit peoples. When Denmark and Norway split, Denmark retained control of Greenland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands under the 1814 Treaty of Kiel. It became a formal territory of the Nordic kingdom in 1953 and gained limited home rule in 1979.
Erik the Red, also known as Erik Thorsteinsson, was a 'Viking explorer and leader' who founded the first Norse settlement in Greenland around 985 CE.
Born in Iceland, he was banished for murder and later established a colony at Brattahlíð, which became the hub of Norse civilization in Greenland.
He is credited with naming the island 'Greenland' to attract settlers and promote its potential as a fertile land.
Erik's legacy extends beyond his exploration; he played a significant role in shaping the cultural identity of the Vikings.
Recent Developments
In March 2025, US Vice President JD Vance visited the Pituffik Space Base, formerly known as the Thule Air Base. During his visit, Vance criticized Denmark’s control of the island, stating that ‘You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland’ and that ‘You have under-invested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass.’ The comments were seen as highly critical of Denmark’s oversight of the territory.
J.D. Vance is an American lawyer, venture capitalist, and author.
Born in 1984, he grew up in Middletown, Ohio, where his family struggled with poverty and addiction.
Vance's experiences inspired his bestselling memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy', which explores the struggles of working-class America.
He graduated from Duke University and Yale Law School before serving as a Marine Corps helicopter pilot.
Vance is now a partner at the venture capital firm Rise of the Rest and has written extensively on politics, economics, and culture.
Response from Base Commander
In response to Vance’s visit, Colonel Susannah Meyers sent an email to all personnel at Pituffik Space Base, including those from Denmark and Greenland. In the email, she stated that she had ‘spent the weekend thinking about Friday’s visit — the actions taken, the words spoken, and how it must have affected each of you.’ She emphasized that her concerns were not reflective of the US administration’s views on Pituffik Space Base.
Implications for Denmark and Greenland
The controversy surrounding Vance’s visit has significant implications for Denmark and Greenland. The Danish government has insisted that Washington will not obtain Greenland, while the Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has said that Vance’s visit signalled a ‘lack of respect.’ Nielsen is seeking a broad coalition government to show unity in the face of US efforts to control the island.
Conclusion
The firing of Colonel Susannah Meyers highlights the complexities and tensions surrounding US interest in Greenland. The controversy raises important questions about the future of the island and its relationship with Denmark and the United States.
