How a billionaire with interests in Greenland encouraged Trump to acquire the territory
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- In 2018, Donald Trump, influenced by longtime friend and businessman Ronald Lauder, considered the unusual idea of the US purchasing Greenland, prompting a White House exploration of increasing American influence in the Arctic territory.
- Lauder, heir to the Estée Lauder cosmetics fortune and with political experience, has invested heavily in Greenland, including ventures in luxury springwater exports and hydroelectric power, while advocating for strategic US partnerships in the region due to its rare-earth elements and emerging maritime routes.
- Trump's interest in Greenland persisted into his second term, with public statements hinting at possible military action to acquire the island, despite strong opposition from Denmark and NATO allies, highlighting tensions over sovereignty and alliance commitments.
- Lauder's involvement in shaping US policy
