US Billionaire Behind Trump's Greenland Obsession
In 2018, a prominent businessman, Ronald Lauder, suggested to US President Donald Trump that the country buy Greenland. The proposal sparked interest in Washington, with some officials exploring ways to increase US sway in the vast Arctic territory controlled by Denmark.
Lauder, heir to EstΓ©e Lauder cosmetics fortune, has known Trump for over 60 years. According to John Bolton, a former national security adviser, Lauder's idea was discussed with Trump, and after that, a White House team began exploring ways to increase US influence in Greenland.
Despite repeated assurances from the Danish government that Greenland would remain under its control, Trump's fixation on acquiring the territory persisted. In 2023, Trump expressed interest in taking the island by force, which led to warnings from Denmark that any military action would break NATO principles.
While some argue that Lauder's suggestions were strategically sound, others point out potential conflicts of interest. Lauder has since acquired commercial holdings in Greenland and has become part of a consortium seeking access to Ukrainian minerals. This overlap between his business interests and Trump administration policy raises questions about self-enrichment during the president's second term.
In recent months, Lauder's involvement in shaping US policy has sparked scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest. His financial support for Maga Inc, a fundraising operation for Trump's movement, has also raised eyebrows.
This story highlights the complex web of interests and influence surrounding Donald Trump's presidency, particularly when it comes to foreign policy decisions that seem to benefit his business associates.
In 2018, a prominent businessman, Ronald Lauder, suggested to US President Donald Trump that the country buy Greenland. The proposal sparked interest in Washington, with some officials exploring ways to increase US sway in the vast Arctic territory controlled by Denmark.
Lauder, heir to EstΓ©e Lauder cosmetics fortune, has known Trump for over 60 years. According to John Bolton, a former national security adviser, Lauder's idea was discussed with Trump, and after that, a White House team began exploring ways to increase US influence in Greenland.
Despite repeated assurances from the Danish government that Greenland would remain under its control, Trump's fixation on acquiring the territory persisted. In 2023, Trump expressed interest in taking the island by force, which led to warnings from Denmark that any military action would break NATO principles.
While some argue that Lauder's suggestions were strategically sound, others point out potential conflicts of interest. Lauder has since acquired commercial holdings in Greenland and has become part of a consortium seeking access to Ukrainian minerals. This overlap between his business interests and Trump administration policy raises questions about self-enrichment during the president's second term.
In recent months, Lauder's involvement in shaping US policy has sparked scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest. His financial support for Maga Inc, a fundraising operation for Trump's movement, has also raised eyebrows.
This story highlights the complex web of interests and influence surrounding Donald Trump's presidency, particularly when it comes to foreign policy decisions that seem to benefit his business associates.