Greenland says 'no thank you' after Trump says he is sending it a 'great hospital boat'
Business Insider
February 22, 2026
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President Donald Trump announced plans to send a "great hospital boat" to Greenland, claiming that its residents are in need of medical care. However, Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen swiftly rejected the offer, stating that Greenland already has a universal healthcare system providing free treatment for all citizens. The prime minister emphasized that while open to dialogue, such unilateral decisions on social media are not constructive.
This move by Trump appears to be part of his broader interest in Greenland, which he has previously suggested might be purchased or taken over by force. Greenland is strategically important due to its location in the Arctic, where melting ice is opening new shipping routes and intensifying global competition with Russia and China. The island also hosts a key U.S. military base vital for missile defense and Arctic security.
Greenland's strategic value has long been recognized, especially as its resources and geography make it a potential flashpoint in international relations. European leaders have consistently defended Greenland's right to self-determination, emphasizing that decisions about the territory should be made by Denmark and Greenland alone.
This latest proposal from Trump highlights the growing geopolitical stakes in the Arctic region, particularly for business interests looking at resource extraction and strategic partnerships. While Greenland remains a semi-autonomous Danish territory, its healthcare system and sovereignty are non-negotiable for its residents.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/22/2026