U.S. President Donald Trump revealed plans to deploy a hospital ship to Greenland, a Danish territory he has expressed interest in acquiring, in collaboration with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry.
Details of the Announcement
Trump shared the initiative on social media just before hosting a dinner for Republican governors at the White House, where he conversed with Landry seated nearby. “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!!!” Trump stated.
Neither the White House nor Landry’s office has commented on the details, including whether Denmark or Greenland requested the vessel or which individuals require assistance. The Department of Defense offered no immediate response.
Recent Regional Developments
The announcement followed Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command evacuating a crew member needing urgent medical care from a U.S. submarine in Greenland’s waters, approximately seven nautical miles from the capital, Nuuk. The link between this incident, Landry’s involvement, or the proposed ship remains unclear.
Danish King Frederik recently made his second visit to Greenland within a year to reinforce ties amid ongoing discussions. Late last month, representatives from Greenland, Denmark, and the U.S. convened talks to address tensions within the NATO alliance.
U.S. Navy Capabilities
The U.S. Navy operates two hospital ships, the USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort, though neither is based in Louisiana.
