Greenland does not need Trump’s ‘great hospital boat’, Denmark says
France 24
by FRANCE 24February 22, 2026
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Denmark has dismissed President Donald Trump's offer of sending a U.S. hospital ship to Greenland, stating that the territory does not require external medical assistance. Troels Lund Poulsen, Denmark's Defence Minister, emphasized that Greenland already has a robust healthcare system in place, with five regional hospitals and specialized care available in Denmark when needed. He clarified that there is no need for additional healthcare initiatives, as the population receives the care it needs either on the island or in Denmark.
The announcement came after Trump claimed on his social media platform, Truth Social, that the hospital ship was being sent to address sick individuals "not being taken care of" in Greenland. This move appears to align with Trump's broader interest in increasing U.S. influence in the Arctic region, particularly over Greenland, which he has previously described as a strategic priority for American security interests.
While Denmark appreciates international engagement, Poulsen noted that Trump's frequent tweets about Greenland have become a new normal in international politics. The minister also highlighted that Denmark had recently evacuated a crew member of a U.S. submarine off the coast of Nuuk for urgent medical attention, underscoring the ongoing interaction between the two nations over Arctic affairs.
This situation highlights the delicate balance of diplomatic and strategic interests at play in Greenland's affairs. Trump's offer of a hospital ship, though dismissed by Denmark, reflects his administration's continued focus on asserting U.S. influence in regions like the Arctic, where climate change and resource extraction are increasingly becoming hot topics. Meanwhile, Denmark remains committed to maintaining its sovereignty over Greenland while
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/22/2026