Donald Trump has said he is sending a “great hospital boat” to Greenland, the semi-autonomous Danish territory he wants to acquire.
The US president threatened, at one point, to take the Arctic island by force in the interests of “national security”.
However, in late January he announced “the framework of a future deal” on Greenland and its future security following talks with NATO secretary general Mark Rutte.
Now, Mr Trump has claimed he is sending a boat to “take care of the many people who are sick” in Greenland, which has a universal public healthcare system.
He announced the plan at a dinner for Republican governors at the White House.
Mr Trump posted on Truth Social: “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!!!”
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry reposted Mr Trump’s message on X – and added: “Thank you, President [Trump]! Proud to work with you on this important issue!”
The US Navy has two hospital ships, the Mercy and the Comfort, which support forces on deployments and provide disaster and humanitarian relief.
The White House and Mr Landry’s office have not made any further comment on the post – or revealed whether the ship had been requested by Denmark or Greenland.
Denmark maintains control of the territory’s foreign affairs and defence.
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Mr Trump’s post came hours after Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command said it had evacuated a crew member of a US submarine off the coast of Greenland after the person needed medical treatment.
