Several figures from the circle of Donald Trump are investing heavily in Greenland and building networks of influence on the island. This activity has drawn the attention of Danish intelligence services and journalists, who initially viewed it as covert subversive operations. However, as The New York Times notes, there is little to suggest that these efforts are clandestine or rely on traditionally “shadowy” methods.
Among the investors are Ronald Lauder, a long-time Trump associate often credited with floating the idea of U.S. control over Greenland, as well as Cantor Fitzgerald, previously led by Howard Lutnick, now the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.
Other members of Trump’s circle are pursuing ambitious projects of their own. Drew Horn, a former Department of Energy official and head of GreenMet, plans to build a large-scale data center on the island. It would be powered by a new plant using glacial meltwater — a resource expanding due to climate change. In the longer term, Horn aims to develop additional energy-intensive industries on this basis, including aluminum production. GreenMet is also focusing on rare earth extraction in Greenland, resources that are critical for modern technological supply chains.
At the same time, a political and communications dimension is taking shape. Trump’s Arctic adviser Thomas Dans has been organizing visits to Greenland for public figures, including Donald Trump Jr.. He was also involved in arranging the visit of U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance. Initially, the trip was meant to include meetings with local residents and cultural events, but amid plans for protests, the program was significantly scaled back, with Vance ultimately visiting only a U.S. military base.
Dans also facilitated a trip to the United States for Greenlander Jørgen Boassen, who took part in Trump’s 2024 campaign. Upon returning home, he became one of the most visible supporters of the U.S. president on the island, though his views have not gained broad public backing.
Another figure active in this dynamic is Chris Cox, founder of the “Bikers for Trump” movement and a member of the Department of Homeland Security’s advisory council. He frequently travels to Greenland, saying he does so “to make friends,” while openly criticizing the Danish government. Danish intelligence services believe his activities may contribute to fueling separatist sentiment on the island. Notably, none of these actors attempt to conceal their actions: they give interviews, are highly active on social media, and openly promote U.S. interests.
U.S. attention toward Greenland intensified in spring 2025, when Trump once again publicly stated that the United States should gain control over the island. In August of that year, a Danish television report highlighted these American “influence operations.” While no names were mentioned, the descriptions clearly pointed to the activities of Horn, Dans, and Cox.
The day after the report aired, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the U.S. ambassador for explanations. Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stated that the actions of foreign actors within the country could not be ignored. For their part, Trump’s allies and U.S. officials reject any allegations of wrongdoing, insisting that their activities consist of transparent investments and open engagement.
