Trump Announces Hospital Ship to Greenland Amid Lack of Local Request or Coordination
The US president unveils a hospital ship plan for Greenland despite no request from local or Danish authorities, fueling renewed diplomatic tensions.
Greenland | PUREWILAYAH.COM — US President Donald Trump has announced plans to send an American hospital ship to Greenland, the Danish autonomous territory in the Arctic that he has repeatedly sought to bring under US control.
Trump made the announcement on Saturday via his Truth Social account, claiming the vessel would provide care for people he said were “sick and not being taken care of,” a statement widely interpreted as a rebuke of both Greenlandic and Danish authorities.
Announcement Made Without Local Request or Coordination
Trump said the plan was being implemented in coordination with Jeff Landry, whom he described as his special envoy to Greenland. Landry’s appointment in December was publicly criticized by Danish officials as a diplomatic breach.
Landry has previously referred to Denmark’s administration of Greenland as an “occupation” and has openly encouraged Greenland to seek independence in order to align politically and strategically with the United States.
In his post, Trump wrote that the hospital ship was “on the way,” but neither he nor Landry provided details on whether the deployment had been requested by Greenlandic authorities or Denmark, nor did they specify who required treatment.
US Agencies Offer No Clarification
Following Trump’s announcement, US government agencies declined to provide clarification. Media inquiries directed to the US Department of Defense were referred to US Northern Command, which in turn redirected questions to the United States Navy. No public response was issued.
As of publication, neither Greenlandic nor Danish authorities have confirmed requesting US medical assistance.
Greenland maintains a publicly funded universal healthcare system. While reports have cited chronic staffing shortages and logistical challenges due to geography, Denmark has pledged long-term funding to address these issues.
In September, Denmark committed 1.6 billion Danish kroner (approximately $253 million) through 2029 for healthcare and infrastructure improvements in Greenland, alongside additional reform measures.
Timing Raises Questions After US Sailor Evacuation
Trump’s announcement came hours after Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command evacuated a US Navy sailor requiring urgent non-combat medical treatment from a submarine operating in Greenlandic waters near the capital, Nuuk.
Danish authorities confirmed the evacuation but did not link the incident to Trump’s hospital ship announcement. It remains unclear whether the events are connected.
Hospital Ship Plan Follows Renewed Annexation Rhetoric
Trump has intensified his push to acquire Greenland since last year, repeatedly describing the territory as critical to US national security. He has openly suggested the possible use of force and previously mocked Denmark’s defenses, claiming they consisted of “two dog sleds.”
Both Greenland and Denmark have categorically rejected any proposal involving annexation or transfer of sovereignty.
NATO Allies Express Concern
Trump’s rhetoric has raised concerns among European allies within NATO, with diplomats warning that any attempt to annex Greenland could destabilize alliance unity.
Last month, Trump said he had discussed a “framework” for Arctic and Greenlandic security with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, appearing to moderate his public tone.
However, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned last week that Trump remains “very serious” about annexation ambitions. She said Denmark is open to expanding US military access in the Arctic but will not compromise on territorial integrity.
Greenlandic and Danish officials have consistently maintained that decisions concerning healthcare, security, and governance rest with Greenland’s elected institutions and Denmark’s sovereign framework.
Trump’s hospital ship announcement, made without formal consultation, has added to existing diplomatic friction and renewed scrutiny of Washington’s approach to Greenland under the banner of humanitarian concern. (PW)