Trump tried to troll Greenland’s free public health care system with U.S. Navy hospital ships still in dock. ‘It’s a no thank you from here,’ PM says
Fortune
by Jamey Keaten, Konstantin Toropin, The Associated PressFebruary 22, 2026
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President Donald Trump announced plans to send a U.S. Navy hospital ship to Greenland, claiming many residents there are sick and not receiving proper care. However, both of the U.S. Navy’s hospital ships, the USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort, are currently docked at a shipyard in Mobile, Alabama. This announcement sparked immediate pushback from Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who emphasized that Greenland already has a robust public health care system where treatment is free for all citizens. Nielsen rejected Trump's offer, stating, “It’s a no thank you from here.”
The move came after Denmark’s military had to evacuate a U.S. submarine crew member near Greenland for urgent medical attention, which was handled by Danish forces. Trump’s proposal was seen as unnecessary and tone-deaf, given that Greenland already provides universal healthcare. Nielsen highlighted the contrast between Greenland’s free system and the U.S. model, where access to healthcare depends on wealth, and urged dialogue over unilateral actions.
This incident reflects broader tensions in U.S.-Greenland relations, with Trump frequently floating the idea of acquiring Greenland for its strategic Arctic location and mineral resources. Danish leaders have consistently rejected such proposals, emphasizing Greenland’s sovereignty. The situation underscores the potential strain on diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Denmark, particularly as both nations navigate Arctic security and economic interests.
From a business perspective, this matters because Greenland’s rich natural resources, including rare minerals and oil reserves, make it a key strategic asset. Tensions over its status could impact transatlantic trade agreements, mining partnerships, and regional stability. The episode also highlights the broader geopolitical stakes of Arctic territories as global warming opens new avenues for exploration and resource extraction.
In summary, Trump’s hospital ship announcement was a provocative move that unnecessarily challenged Greenland’s existing healthcare system and strained relations with Denmark. While it may have been an attempt to leverage influence in the Arctic, it ultimately revealed diplomatic missteps and highlighted the complexities of U.S.-Greenland relations in a region poised for growing economic and strategic importance.
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Originally published on Fortune on 2/22/2026