Denmark’s Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen officially rejected President Donald Trump’s claim that Greenland needs American medical aid. The pushback came after Trump announced on Truth Social that he was dispatching a “great hospital boat” to the Arctic island to treat “many people who are sick and not being taken care of.” The President’s post, which included an AI-generated image of the USNS Mercy, claimed the mission was being coordinated with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry.
Greenland does not need foreign medical assistance, Denmark’s defence minister says in response to US President Donald Trump sending a hospital ship to the territory
🔗 https://t.co/Y917iDKmEq pic.twitter.com/wOhrPPgYH0— TRT World (@trtworld) February 22, 2026
Defense Minister Poulsen clarified that Greenlandic residents already receive high-quality, free healthcare through five regional hospitals or specialized treatment in Denmark. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also defended the system on social media, emphasizing that universal access to health is a core value in both Denmark and Greenland. This latest exchange occurs amid a broader diplomatic crisis, as the Trump administration continues to express interest in acquiring the mineral-rich territory for national security reasons.
You May Like To Read: Japanese Automotive Surge Expected to Create 100,000 Jobs in Pakistan
The dispute follows a “framework deal” struck in Davos between Trump and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, which aimed to increase U.S. influence in the Arctic without the use of force. While the U.S. insists its interest is based on regional stability, Danish officials view the unrequested medical ship as an attempt to undermine their sovereignty. Despite the tension, the Danish military recently assisted a U.S. submarine crew member off the coast of Nuuk, highlighting the complicated nature of current bilateral relations.
Check out our latest video:
