The top of the US army base in Greenland has been fired for criticising Washington’s agenda for the Arctic island.
Colonel Susan Meyers distanced herself from remarks made by vice chairman JD Vance when he visited the Pituffik base on 28 March.
Ms Meyers, commander of the 821st House Base Group, emailed all base personnel on 31 March, days after Mr Vance’s go to, Navy.com stated.
Colonel Susan Meyers (L) with US vice chairman JD Vance and second girl Usha Vance (2L) on the Pituffik House Base in Greenland in March. Pic: AP
She advised them she “spent the weekend desirous about Friday’s go to – the actions taken, the phrases spoken, and the way it should have affected every of you”.
“I don’t presume to know present politics, however what I do know is the considerations of the US administration mentioned by vice chairman Vance on Friday should not reflective of Pituffik House Base.”
The US House Drive stated in a press release issued late on Thursday that commanders “are anticipated to stick to the best requirements of conduct, particularly because it pertains to remaining non-partisan within the efficiency of their duties”.
Mr Vance condemned Denmark’s oversight of the island and advised Greenlanders they’d be higher off as a part of the US.
US President Donald Trump has referred to as for the territory to be absorbed by Washington, saying it’s important for each nationwide and worldwide safety, and refusing to rule out using military force to acquire it.
In addition to having employees from the US and Greenland, the bottom employs Danes and Canadians, based on Navy.com.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated on X that actions which “subvert President Trump’s agenda is not going to be tolerated on the Division of Defence”.
The dismissal of Ms Meyers, base commander since July, was welcomed by Republican senator Eric Schmitt, who praised the “fast motion” of defence secretary Pete Hegseth.
One other Republican senator, Jim Banks, accused Colonel Meyers of making an attempt to “politicise the House Drive”.
Greenland is a territory of Denmark, and whereas there’s assist for independence amongst Greenlanders, polls recommend there’s little assist for US annexation, simply as there was little urge for food for the go to of the vice president and his wife.
Learn extra:
How Greenlanders view Trump’s threats
Why does Trump want Greenland?
Arctic plans a challenge for Europe
Mr Vance criticised Denmark, claiming that incursions by China and Russia had put the territory in danger.
He advised Copenhagen it had “not accomplished job by the folks of Greenland. You could have underinvested within the folks of Greenland, and you’ve got underinvested within the safety of this unbelievable, lovely landmass”.
His remarks have been broadly condemned.
