Greenland rejects Trump's hospital ship offer: 'That will be no thanks from u

2026-02-22 - 20:42

Greenland's prime minister firmly rejected US President Donald Trump's offer to send a hospital ship to the Arctic territory, stating Sunday that the island does not require medical assistance from other countries. On his Truth Social platform Saturday, Trump announced he would dispatch a medical vessel "to take care of the many people who are sick and not being taken care of there." Greenlandic Response "That will be 'no thanks' from us," Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen posted on Facebook. "President Trump's idea to send a US hospital ship here to Greenland has been duly noted. But we have a public health system where care is free for citizens." The rejection follows Trump's recent renewal of interest in US control over Greenland, citing national security concerns about Russia and China. He previously threatened sanctions against European countries opposing the move. Diplomatic Context Trump later withdrew threats after meeting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where they discussed a framework for potential agreement involving Greenland and the broader Arctic region. Talks between the US, Denmark, and Greenland followed. Trump has also indicated further discussions on the US Golden Dome missile defense system in relation to Greenland. The hospital ship offer represents the latest US overture toward the territory.