Head of US base in Greenland sacked after JD Vance visit

The head of the US military 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 president JD Vance when he visited the Pituffik base on 28 March. Ms Meyers, commander of the 821st Space Base Group, emailed all base personnel on 31 March, days after Mr Vance's visit, Military.com said.

She told them she "spent the weekend thinking about Friday's visit - the actions taken, the words spoken, and how it must have affected each of you". "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 US Space Force said in a statement issued late on Thursday that commanders "are expected to adhere to the highest standards of conduct, especially as it relates to remaining non-partisan in the performance of their duties".

Mr Vance condemned Denmark's oversight of the island and told Greenlanders they would be better off as part of the US. US President Donald Trump has called for the territory to be absorbed by Washington, saying it is essential for both national and international security, and refusing to rule out using military force to acquire it.

As well as having staff from the US and Greenland, the base employs Danes and Canadians, according to Military.com. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said on X that actions which "subvert President Trump's agenda will not be tolerated at the Department of Defence".

The dismissal of Ms Meyers, base commander since July, was welcomed by Republican senator Eric Schmitt, who praised the "quick action" of defence secretary Pete Hegseth. Another Republican senator, Jim Banks, accused Colonel Meyers of trying to "politicise the Space Force".

Greenland is a territory of Denmark, and while there is support for independence among Greenlanders, polls suggest there is little support for US annexation, just as there was little appetite for the visit of the vice president and his wife. Read more:How Greenlanders view Trump's threatsWhy 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 at risk.

He told Copenhagen it had "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 of this incredible, beautiful landmass".

His remarks were widely condemned..