WASHINGTON: (Web Desk) – US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States plans to dispatch a hospital ship to Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark that he has previously expressed interest in acquiring and once threatened to seize.
The announcement has heightened tensions between Washington and Copenhagen, while putting a spotlight on the Arctic. Trump has repeatedly highlighted Greenland’s strategic importance for NATO and US security, especially amid growing rivalry with Russia and China.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated the ship would provide medical assistance to many “sick” residents of Greenland, though he did not provide details on the nature of the illnesses or the number of people to be treated.
“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!!!” he wrote.
The post featured what appeared to be an AI-generated image of the USNS Mercy, an 894-foot hospital ship usually stationed in California, sailing toward snowy mountains. It remains unclear if this vessel will actually be sent.
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Trump added that the deployment would be coordinated with Jeff Landry, his envoy to Greenland. Earlier this month, Landry shared photos from New Orleans Mardi Gras holding a Greenland flag alongside others.
Meanwhile, Denmark’s King Frederik X visited Greenland this week, a visit seen as a reassurance amid concerns over US intentions. Last month, Trump eased repeated threats to seize Greenland after reaching a “framework” agreement with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to enhance US influence in the region.
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