Amid renewed buzz over Arctic territories, Donald Trump declared on Truth Social his intent to send a hospital ship to Greenland, Denmark’s self-governing island. Long coveting the strategically vital land, Trump’s latest action prompts scrutiny: whose plea triggered this maritime mercy mission?
The effort involves Jeff Landry, Louisiana’s governor and Trump’s special envoy, appointed controversially in Copenhagen last December. Deemed a diplomatic overstep, Landry slammed Denmark’s oversight as occupation and advocated Greenland breaking free for stronger American alliances.
In his post, Trump praised Landry while promising the ship to treat those ‘sick and not getting proper care.’ Landry responded enthusiastically on X, grateful for the partnership on this ‘critical issue.’
Mystery shrouds the origins. Neither clarified if Denmark, Greenland, or individuals made the ask. Press queries ricocheted from War Department to Northern Command and Navy—dead end.
Greenland’s public healthcare system, while comprehensive, grapples with staff shortages and isolation-induced logistics nightmares. Denmark stepped up in September with a 1.6 billion DKK infusion for health and infrastructure by 2029, initiating improvements.
Context sharpens the picture: Danish Arctic Command had just airlifted a U.S. Navy sailor from a submarine near the capital Nuuk for emergency treatment. Link to Trump’s timing? Unconfirmed, but suggestive.
This deployment revives Trump’s Greenland fixation, blending humanitarian optics with geopolitical chess. As climate change unlocks Arctic riches, the U.S. eyes influence, challenging Denmark’s hold and Denmark’s commitments. Observers watch closely for ripples in international relations.