Former advisor John Bolton reveals Ronald Lauder suggested Trump buy Greenland in 2018, with Trump taking “fragments of information” from friends as truth.
Who Suggested Trump’s Greenland Takeover
John Bolton, former national security advisor in Donald Trump’s administration, told British newspaper “The Guardian” that the politician during his first presidential term in 2018 wanted to take over Greenland. Trump called Bolton to the Oval Office, saying a prominent businessman had suggested the US buy Greenland.
Bolton identified this businessman as Ronald Lauder, heir to the cosmetics company Estee Lauder and a long-time friend of Trump who conducted business in Greenland. After Lauder suggested the takeover, the White House began showing interest in increasing US influence on the territory. Bolton noted that Trump’s tendency to take “fragments of information” from friends as truth and unchangeable opinion is typical of the politician.
When the Wall Street Journal revealed Trump’s interest in Greenland in 2019, the politician published a photo of a golden tower on the autonomous Danish territory with the message: “I promise that I will not do this to Greenland!”
Lauder on Greenland Opportunities
According to The Guardian, in February of the previous year, Donald Trump also considered taking over Greenland, again supported by Ronald Lauder. Lauder wrote in The New York Post that Trump’s concept of Greenland was never absurd but strategic, as it contains rare earth elements necessary for artificial intelligence, advanced weapons, and modern technologies.
He claimed Greenland is “at the epicenter of the rivalry of great powers” and the US should pursue a “strategic partnership.” Lauder added he has been closely cooperating with Greenlandic business leaders and authorities for years, developing strategic investments there. After Trump’s return to the White House, Lauder resumed cooperation with the politician, donating $5 million in March 2025 to Maga Inc., an organization linked to Trump’s political activities.
Greenland Discussions to Continue
Donald Trump announced after meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Davos that an agreement framework regarding Greenland’s future had been reached. According to Trump’s advisors, the US would obtain limited sovereignty over areas in Greenland designated for military bases, though NATO and Denmark did not confirm such agreements.
Despite this, Trump withdrew his announcement of imposing tariffs on eight European countries. The alliance stated that further talks between the US, Denmark, and Greenland would focus on countering Russian and Chinese influence in the region. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that a significant investment package for Greenland would be proposed soon.