‘No Thanks’: Greenland Pushes Back on Trump’s Hospital Boat Proposal

President Donald Trump announced on February 21 that he is sending a hospital boat to Greenland, the Danish territory he has expressed interest in acquiring. The Arctic island, however, declined the offer.

Trump wrote on social media, "Working with the fantastic governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, we are going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick and not being taken care of there. It's on the way!!"

The president shared the post with an illustration of the USNS Mercy, a U.S. Naval hospital ship. Although Greenland and Denmark have a free, nationalized healthcare system, Trump's intention behind the post was unclear.

It may be noted that Jeff Landry, whom Trump tapped in December to serve as special envoy to Greenland, took to social media to express his pride at working with the U.S. president on this important project. He wrote on his social media, "proud to work on this important issue."

As Trump discussed sending the medical boat, Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute B. Egede said "No, thank you".

Egede said, "This is a deliberate choice and a fundamental part of our society. That is not how it works in the USA, where it costs money to see a doctor."

He added, "Greenland is open to dialogue and cooperation. But please talk to us instead of making random statements on social media. Dialogue and cooperation require respect for the fact that decisions about our country are made here at home."

Denmark's Joint Arctic Commander earlier evacuated a crew member who needed urgent medical treatment from a U.S. submarine. The member was transferred to the Greenlandic health authorities and a hospital in Nuuk.

The U.S. Navy operates two hospital ships, USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort. These ships support troops, provide relief during natural disasters, and conduct other humanitarian operations.

The Mercy is moored in Mobile, Alabama, according to a ship-tracking website. The location of the Comfort is unknown. Neither ship is ready for immediate deployment.

Greenland is the least densely populated country in the world. Because the country has limited roads, residents often travel by boats. The island holds strategic importance for the United States, which operates Pituffik Coast Base on the western coast.

Trump's statement to send a medical boat to Greenland comes a few weeks after his escalated efforts to acquire Greenland.

In late January, Trump announced a framework for a potential agreement with Greenland, along with NATO's chief. However, Trump's growing interest in the Arctic raises questions about Greenland's sovereignty and unsettled Greenland's leadership.