Trump Announces Hospital Ship to Greenland, Sparks International Criticism
WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing setbacks from the Supreme Court and declining poll numbers, former President Donald Trump has renewed his focus on Greenland, announcing the deployment of a U.S. Navy hospital ship to the island. The announcement, made Saturday evening on his Truth Social platform while hosting a dinner for U.S. governors, promises medical care for “many sick and unattended people.”
“It’s coming!” Trump posted alongside an image of the USNS Mercy, a U.S. Navy hospital ship.
However, the USNS Mercy has been undergoing maintenance at a shipyard in Alabama since last year, alongside its sister ship, the USNS Comfort. The rationale behind the announcement remains unclear. The Pentagon referred questions to the U.S. Northern Command, which then directed inquiries back to the White House.
Trump’s interest in Greenland is not new. During his second term, he openly discussed the possibility of purchasing the autonomous territory from Denmark, a proposal that was met with strong resistance. He has repeatedly emphasized what he views as Greenland’s strategic importance for Arctic defense against Russia and China, as well as its potential mineral wealth and role in a proposed missile defense system dubbed “Golden Dome.”
The announcement has already drawn sharp criticism from Denmark. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded with a pointed comparison of Denmark’s universal healthcare system to the American private system, posting on Instagram: “I’m happy to live in a country where everyone has free and equal access to healthcare – and where it’s not your insurance and assets that determine the right treatment. And free access to healthcare also applies in Greenland.”
Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen added that the Danish government was not informed of the decision, stating that Greenland’s population already has access to necessary medical care, including specialized treatment in Denmark. He indicated that any further medical assistance would be handled by Greenland’s and Denmark’s governments.
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, offered a succinct “no thanks” to the offer, highlighting Greenland’s public healthcare system which provides free care to all citizens. “That’s a deliberate choice and a fundamental part of our society. It’s not the case in the United States, where going to the doctor costs money,” he explained. Greenland currently operates six hospitals for its population of approximately 60,000 and has agreements in place to improve patient access to Danish hospitals.
The move comes as NATO allies increasingly view the United States as a potential aggressor, according to recent reports. France 24. A recent meme released by the White House featuring Trump alongside a penguin, intended to underscore his ambition regarding Greenland, has also faced international ridicule YouTube.
This is a developing story. ANSA will continue to provide updates as they become available.
