President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he is sending a hospital ship to Greenland.
“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 on Truth Social.
He did not explain who exactly he meant or how many people the ship would help.
The response from Greenland and Denmark was swift.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news!
Subscribe and start recieving our daily emails.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said “no thanks.”
“President Trump’s idea of sending an American hospital ship here to Greenland has been noted. But we have a public health care system where treatment is free for citizens. It is a deliberate choice,” Nielsen wrote on social media.
Greenland is open to cooperation with the U.S., Nielsen said, but criticized Trump’s method.
“Talk to us instead of just making more or less random outbursts on social media,” he added.
Premier of Greenland Jens-Frederik Nielsen posted the following on Facebook:
It will be a no thank you from here.
President Trump’s idea of sending an American hospital ship to Greenland has been noted. However, we have a public healthcare system where treatment is free for… pic.twitter.com/6LtMOPDsZ3
— Orla Joelsen (@OJoelsen) February 22, 2026
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reinforced that message. She posted, “I’m happy to live in a country where access to health care is free and equal for all. Where insurance or wealth does not determine whether one receives dignified treatment.”
Greenland has five regional hospitals, with the main one in Nuuk serving patients from across the territory. Health care is free there and in Denmark.
Denmark’s Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the island does not need help from other countries.
“The Greenlandic population receives the health care it needs. They receive it either in Greenland, or, if they require specialized treatment, they receive it in Denmark,” he said. “So it’s not as if there’s a need for a special health care initiative in Greenland.” He added that he was not aware of any incoming U.S. hospital ship.
“Trump is constantly tweeting about Greenland. So this is undoubtedly an expression of the new normal that has taken hold in international politics,” Lund Poulsen said.
Some observers couldn’t resist pointing out the absurdity. Lars Fløe Nielsen tweeted:
Here’s what happened:
Danish coast guard evacuated a sick sailor from a US sub to Nuuk. He is being treated in Greenland (by its free healthcare system).
In Grandpa’s dementia ridden mind this is something that only the fantastic Governor of Louisiana can fix with a boat. After… pic.twitter.com/5VAlwFJi4I
— Lars Fløe Nielsen (@ln_sitecore) February 22, 2026
The announcement comes as tensions rise between the Trump administration and Europe over control of the territory. Greenland is the world’s largest island. It is mineral-rich and strategically important. It is self-governing but remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Trump has repeatedly said Greenland is critical for U.S. national security and has even threatened to acquire it by force. The rhetoric has angered Denmark and other European NATO allies. Talks are ongoing to try to resolve the situation.
Featured image via Truth Social screengrab
