Trump Announces Hospital‑Ship Plan on Truth Social President Donald Trump posted on Feb 21, 2026 that a “great hospital boat” would sail to Greenland, citing coordination with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and attaching an AI‑generated image of USNS Mercy [1][2]. He added “It’s on the way!!!” without specifying which vessel would be used. The announcement marked a sudden health‑aid proposal despite Greenland’s existing free health system.

Greenlandic and Danish Officials Decline the Offer Prime Minister Jens‑Frederik Nielsen responded on Facebook with a firm “no thanks,” emphasizing Greenland’s universal, publicly funded healthcare [1][2]. Denmark’s defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen told broadcaster DR that Greenlanders already receive needed care locally or in Denmark, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen echoed the sentiment on Facebook [1]. Both governments stressed respect for domestic decision‑making and dismissed any need for a special U.S. initiative.

U.S. Authorities Provide No Confirmation of Deployment Feasibility The White House and Governor Landry’s office declined to comment, while the Pentagon redirected inquiries to U.S. Northern Command, which passed them to the Navy, which also declined to comment [1]. Current locations of the Navy’s two hospital ships—USNS Mercy moored in Mobile, Alabama, and USNS Comfort’s whereabouts unclear—make immediate dispatch unlikely [1]. No official plan or timeline has been released, leaving the claim unsubstantiated.

Recent Danish‑Led Medical Evacuation Demonstrates Existing Capacity On the same day as Trump’s post, Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command evacuated a U.S. submarine crew member from Greenlandic waters to a hospital in Nuuk, illustrating established emergency‑medical cooperation in the region [1][2]. The incident required no U.S. hospital‑ship involvement, underscoring that existing protocols already address urgent care needs.

Offer Fits Trump’s Renewed Greenland Focus Amid Broader Strategic Moves The hospital‑ship proposal follows a month of intensified U.S. interest, including a framework deal with NATO chief and frequent tweets that have unsettled European allies [1]. Greenlanders such as engineer Ludvig Petersen expressed sovereignty concerns, viewing the offer as part of a “new normal” in geopolitics [2].