Trump appointee argued the US could take Greenland and its seafood to save endless shrimp at Red Lobster: report

Key Points:

• The Trump administration has advocated for acquiring Greenland, citing strategic security, mineral wealth, and Denmark’s perceived inadequate management of the territory, with a new argument focusing on controlling Greenland’s seafood industry to supply shrimp to Red Lobster.
• Tom Dans, chair of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission appointed by Trump, suggested the U.S. could monopolize Greenland’s seafood to exclude China and provide unlimited shrimp to American consumers, despite Greenland’s population opposing U.S. takeover.
• Trump’s rhetoric on Greenland intensified after returning to office, accusing Denmark of insufficient defense efforts and expressing a desire for U.S. ownership to prevent Russian and Chinese influence, though he later softened his stance by ruling out military annexation.
• The proposal sparked strong condemnation from Denmark, Greenland, and European allies, with Danish Prime Minister urging the U.S. to stop threats, and the Danish military increasing its presence on the island in response.
• Despite the controversy, closed-door talks between U.S., Greenlandic, and Danish officials continue, while public opinion in both the U.S. and Greenland overwhelmingly opposes any forced U.S. takeover of Greenland.