President Trump announced plans to deploy a hospital ship to Greenland, but Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen rejected the offer, emphasizing universal healthcare.
Trump’s Announcement
On Saturday, February 21, Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that the United States had sent a hospital ship to Greenland “to care for many sick people who are not receiving care there.” Trump stressed that the vessel “is already on its way” and mentioned collaborating with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, the U.S. special envoy to Greenland.
Greenland’s Rejection
Greenland’s Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen responded to Trump on Sunday, stating that Greenland and Denmark “say: no, thank you” to the proposal. Nielsen wrote on Facebook that Trump’s idea “has been noted,” but Greenland has state healthcare where treatment is free for citizens—a “conscious choice and fundamental part of our society.” He criticized the U.S. system where healthcare visits require payment, urging dialogue over social media posts and affirming decisions are made locally.
Denmark’s Position
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen weighed in on U.S. healthcare issues, writing: “I am happy to live in a country where everyone has free and equal access to healthcare.” She noted that insurance and wealth do not determine treatment access in Denmark or Greenland, contrasting the U.S. system where insurance companies authoritatively decide coverage.
Nursing Union Response
The Danish Nursing Council condemned Trump’s move as an “unnecessary provocation” against healthcare workers caring for patients across the Kingdom. They emphasized Grenlanders’ right to free medical assistance through Danish cooperation if needed.
Coincident Evacuation
On Saturday, Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command evacuated a crew member from a U.S. submarine near Greenland requiring medical care, transporting him to a hospital in Nuuk. Trump’s announcement about the hospital ship came hours later.
