Greenland PM on Trump’s Hospital Ship Proposal: “No, Thank You”
Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen says Greenland’s public healthcare system does not require unsolicited US intervention
Greenland | PUREWILAYAH.COM — Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has rejected a proposal by US President Donald Trump to send an American hospital ship to the Arctic island, stating that Greenland’s healthcare needs are already met through its public system.
The response follows remarks by Trump on Saturday in which he said the United States would dispatch a “great hospital boat” to Greenland to care for what he described as “many people who are sick and not being taken care of.”
In a Facebook post published on Sunday, Nielsen dismissed the proposal, writing that it would be “a no thank you from here.”
He said that while Greenland had taken note of Trump’s comments, the territory operates a public healthcare system that provides free treatment to its citizens, drawing a clear distinction with the US healthcare model.
“We are always open to dialogue and cooperation — also with the USA,” Nielsen wrote. “But talk to us instead of just making more or less random outbursts on social media.”
He added that any dialogue must be based on respect for Greenland’s domestic decisions and political autonomy.
Denmark Backs Greenland’s Position
Denmark’s Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen also dismissed the need for US involvement, saying Greenland does not require unsolicited assistance from Washington.
“The Greenlandic population receives the healthcare it needs,” Poulsen told Danish broadcaster DR, noting that residents receive medical treatment either locally or in Denmark.
Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, which retains responsibility for defense and foreign affairs.
Proposal Comes Amid Renewed US Claims Over Greenland
Trump’s hospital ship proposal comes against the backdrop of his long-standing effort to assert US control over Greenland. Since last year, Trump has repeatedly argued that the island should fall under US authority, citing strategic and security considerations.
He has previously mocked Greenland’s defenses and claimed the territory was vulnerable to threats from China and Russia — assertions both countries have rejected.
The renewed push has deepened diplomatic tensions between Washington and European allies.
Growing Rift With NATO Allies
Trump recently said he had discussed a framework for Greenlandic and Arctic security with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and appeared to soften his public rhetoric.
However, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned last week that Trump remains “very serious” about pursuing annexation, despite diplomatic resistance.
The issue has contributed to a widening rift between Washington and its European NATO partners, particularly over sovereignty and regional governance in the Arctic.
Greenlandic officials have consistently stated that decisions regarding healthcare, governance, and international engagement rest with the territory’s own institutions.
Nielsen’s rejection of the hospital ship proposal underscores Greenland’s position that cooperation with foreign states must occur through formal channels and mutual respect, rather than unilateral gestures. (PW)