US President Donald Trump on Saturday, 21 February 2026, said the government, in cooperation with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, is sending a “great hospital boat” to Greenland to care for “many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there.” He added in the Facebook post via The White House official account, “It’s on the way!!!”
Trump did not provide details about the ship or the medical mission. The announcement included an AI-generated image of a naval hospital ship resembling the USNS Mercy. It is unclear whether Greenland requested the assistance or what health issues the mission aims to address.
Governor Landry, who was appointed by Trump as special envoy to Greenland in December, expressed gratitude on X, saying he is “proud to work” with the president on “this important issue.”
The deployment follows Trump’s long-standing interest in Greenland, which he has described as strategically important and rich in minerals. Last month, Trump said he had “formed the framework of a future deal” regarding Greenland during talks with NATO, backing down from earlier threats of tariffs or military action. He also stated he wants to “get Greenland, including right, title and ownership,” but claimed he would not use force.
The announcement comes after protests in Greenland last month, where thousands marched with banners and flags, chanting “Greenland is not for sale,” rejecting any notion of US control. Denmark and NATO members have reiterated that Greenland is not for sale and should remain under Danish sovereignty, while calling for diplomatic resolution.
Officials from the Pentagon, US Navy, NORTHCOM, and the Danish Embassy have been contacted for clarification, but no formal details on the hospital boat or the mission have been released.