Greenland on Sunday declined Donald Trump’s offer to send a US hospital ship, citing its own free public healthcare system. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Facebook that while the proposal had been “noted,” Greenland already provides treatment free of charge to its citizens.
Trump had announced on social media that the USNS Mercy was en route to Greenland to care for people he claimed were being medically neglected. The remarks followed repeated threats by Trump to consider seizing the mineral-rich island for “national security” reasons.
Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphasized that Greenlanders receive necessary healthcare either locally or in Denmark if specialized treatment is required. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen highlighted Greenland’s universal healthcare system, contrasting it with the US system, where access often depends on insurance or wealth.
While Trump has pushed for increased US influence over Greenland, the island and Denmark have consistently upheld Greenlandic sovereignty. Bilateral ties remain under strain despite a “framework” agreement struck with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte to manage US involvement in the region.
