In an age where clarity of mission and unity of command are more essential than ever, the swift and decisive removal of Col. Susannah Meyers from her post at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland is a resounding reminder: the U.S. military answers to civilian leadership—and that leadership is President Donald J. Trump.
Colonel Meyers, who assumed command of the 821st Space Base Group just last July, found herself relieved of duty within hours of a Military.com exposé revealing her now-infamous base-wide email. The message, sent after Vice President J.D. Vance’s official visit, publicly distanced the base from the administration’s national security policy—specifically regarding Greenland, a critical node in U.S. Arctic defense posture.
Actions to undermine the chain of command or to subvert President Trump's agenda will not be tolerated at the Department of Defense.
⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/ITFeGw0kUf pic.twitter.com/MO68aje1X2
— Sean Parnell (@SeanParnellATSD) April 11, 2025
Her words were soft in tone, but thunderous in implication: “The concerns of the U.S. administration… are not reflective of Pituffik Space Base.” In military parlance, that’s not just a subtle critique—it’s open insubordination. No matter how carefully cloaked in calls for unity or professional camaraderie, such a statement directly undermines the civilian control of the military, a principle foundational to our republic.
The Pentagon didn’t hesitate. Space Force Public Affairs issued the removal notice, citing a “loss of confidence” in Meyers’ ability to lead. Within hours, Col. Shawn Lee assumed command. The rapid transition speaks to the seriousness with which this administration views military discipline—and its demand for unwavering adherence to chain-of-command loyalty.
Congresswoman, I realize this may be a foreign concept to you but here at the DoD if you disrespect the chain of command & don’t do your job, you will be replaced.
Period. https://t.co/HrtUpI9Owc
— Sean Parnell (@SeanParnellUSA) April 9, 2025
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said it plainly: “Actions to undermine the chain of command or to subvert President Trump’s agenda will not be tolerated.” And this wasn’t an isolated incident. Just days prior, Vice Admiral Shoshana Chatfield was relieved of her NATO post over a separate, yet thematically similar lapse—failure to hang portraits of the new administration, including President Trump, VP Vance, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
In both cases, the message is unmistakable: We are no longer living in a time where quiet dissent from military brass is brushed aside or allowed to quietly fester within the ranks. Under President Trump, accountability is not just a buzzword—it’s the order of the day.
This shift should come as no surprise to those paying attention. Trump has made clear his intent to restore discipline, hierarchy, and apolitical professionalism within the Department of Defense. These events are not anomalies—they are course corrections.