The Pentagon has indicated that there were no orders issued to send a hospital ship to Greenland, despite claims made by President Donald Trump over the weekend. Reports suggest that the military has not been activated to deploy any Navy vessels, with both hospital ships currently stationed at a shipyard in Alabama, as reported by news outlets.

President Trump’s Announcement

On Saturday, President Trump announced via social media that a Navy vessel was being dispatched to Greenland, sharing an image of the USNS Mercy hospital ship. In his post, Trump stated, “Working with the fantastic Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, we are going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there. It’s on the way!!!” His remarks came on the same day that the Danish military executed an emergency medical evacuation for a crew member of a US submarine, transporting them to a hospital in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital.

Reactions from Greenland and Denmark

Officials from both Greenland and Denmark have rejected the notion that a hospital ship is necessary. Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen addressed the situation on Facebook, stating, “That will be a ‘no thanks’ from us.” He acknowledged Trump’s suggestion but assured that Greenland has a functioning public health system that provides free healthcare to its citizens. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in their healthcare system where treatment is not determined by wealth or insurance, affirming that Greenland shares this approach.

Response from Louisiana Governor

In a contrasting reaction to the local officials’ dismissal, Governor Jeff Landry, who has previously served as the special US envoy to Greenland, expressed his frustration on social media. He criticized Prime Minister Nielsen, stating, “Shame on Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen!” He asserted that during his discussions with Greenlanders, healthcare emerged as a significant concern, highlighting that many small towns and villages lack basic health services that are often taken for granted in other regions.

Tensions Between the US and Greenland

The discussion surrounding the hospital ship forms part of a broader context of rising tensions between the United States and Greenland. President Trump’s previous remarks about potentially acquiring or invading Greenland have met with strong opposition from local officials and European allies. In January, Trump had retracted suggestions of military intervention and had also downplayed threats to impose tariffs on US allies opposing his ambitions regarding the territory. He mentioned that the US and NATO allies had come to a “framework of a future deal” relating to the Arctic island.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share