Denmark and its autonomous territory, Greenland, have declined US President Donald Trump’s proposal to send a naval hospital ship to the Arctic island.
Trump had described the ship as a way to “take care of the many people who are sick” in Greenland.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen responded on social media: “That will be ‘no thanks’ from us. We have a public health system where care is free for citizens.”
Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphasized that Greenlanders already receive necessary medical care, either locally or in Denmark for specialized treatment.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen similarly highlighted the value of free and equal healthcare access for all citizens.
The proposal followed a recent incident in which Danish forces evacuated a US submarine crew member off Nuuk’s coast for urgent medical attention.
Trump had posted an AI-generated image of the USNS Mercy, signaling the hospital ship’s potential deployment, but neither Greenland nor Denmark indicated a need for such assistance.
Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in Greenland for US strategic purposes, though past threats to seize the territory have eased following agreements with NATO. Locals in Nuuk expressed indifference to the proposal, citing confidence in their existing healthcare system.
