The US president has taken a swipe at the Danish authorities, claiming many of those unwell are not being treated
US President Donald Trump said he is sending a hospital ship to Greenland, the Danish autonomous territory in the Arctic he has sought to annex.
He announced the plan on Truth Social on Saturday, saying he was working with Jeff Landry, his special envoy to Greenland, whose appointment in December Copenhagen condemned as a diplomatic breach. Landry has called Denmark’s rule of Greenland an “occupation” and urged the island to seek independence to align with the US.
“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!!!” Trump wrote in an apparent swipe at both the Greenlandic and Danish authorities.
Landry welcomed Trump’s announcement on X, writing: “Thank you, President @realDonaldTrump! Proud to work with you on this important issue!”
Neither Trump nor Landry offered clarity on whether the deployment was requested by Denmark or Greenland or who needed treatment. The Department of War deflected media queries to US Northern Command, which passed them to the US Navy. No response was forthcoming from either.
Greenland has a publicly funded universal healthcare system, though reports cite chronic understaffing and logistical constraints. However, Denmark pledged 1.6 billion DKK ($253 million) in September for healthcare and infrastructure upgrades through 2029 and has launched further reforms.
Trump’s post came hours after Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command evacuated a US Navy sailor requiring urgent non-combat medical treatment from a submarine in Greenland’s waters near the capital, Nuuk. It was unclear if Trump’s post had any connection to the incident.
Trump intensified his push to acquire Greenland last year, calling it vital to US national security He openly hinted at possible use of force and mocking Denmark’s defenses of the island as consisting of “two dog sleds.” The rhetoric alarmed NATO partners, with some warning an annexation bid could fracture the alliance. Greenland and Denmark rejected Trump’s demands.
Trump later softened his tone, saying last month he and NATO chief Mark Rutte had agreed on a “framework” on Greenland and Arctic security. However, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned last week Trump remains “very serious” about annexation. She stressed Denmark is willing to expand US military access but will not compromise on territorial integrity.
