Former National Security Advisor John Bolton revealed businessman Ronald Lauder suggested Trump purchase Greenland in 2018, a pattern where the president treats fragments of information as truth.
Who Suggested Trump Acquire Greenland?
John Bolton, former national security advisor in Donald Trump’s administration, told British newspaper “The Guardian” that during his first presidential term in 2018, Trump wanted to acquire Greenland. Bolton recounted that Trump summoned him to the Oval Office, stating that a prominent businessman had suggested the U.S. purchase Greenland. This businessman was Ronald Lauder, heir to the Estée Lauder cosmetics company and a long-time friend of the American president who had business interests in Greenland.
Following this suggestion, the White House began showing increased interest in expanding U.S. influence over the territory. Bolton noted that Trump’s return to Lauder’s idea is typical of the politician. “Fragments of information he hears from friends, he takes as truth and cannot change his opinion,” Bolton added.
Lauder on Greenland’s Possibilities
According to “The Guardian,” in February of last year, Donald Trump also considered acquiring Greenland again, with Ronald Lauder again supporting the idea. “Trump’s Greenland concept was never absurd – it was strategic (…). Under the ice and rocks lies a treasure trove of rare earth elements essential for artificial intelligence, advanced weapons, and modern technologies. As ice recedes, new maritime routes appear, changing global trade and security,” Lauder wrote in “The New York Post.”
He also claimed Greenland is “at the epicenter of great power competition” and the United States should strive for a “strategic partnership.” Lauder added that “for years I have closely cooperated with Greenlandic business leaders and authorities, developing strategic investments there.” After Donald Trump’s return to the White House, Lauder resumed cooperation with the politician, including donating $5 million in March 2025 to Maga Inc., an organization linked to Trump’s political activities.
Greenland Negotiations to Continue
Recall that Donald Trump announced after meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Davos that an agreement framework had been reached regarding Greenland’s future. According to the president’s advisors, it was agreed that the U.S. would obtain limited sovereignty over areas in Greenland designated for military bases. However, NATO and Denmark did not confirm such arrangements.
Nonetheless, the U.S. president withdrew his announcement of tariffs on eight European countries. The alliance only stated that further talks between the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland would focus on countering Russian and Chinese influence in the region. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Commission will propose a significant investment package for Greenland in the near future.