In a story so rich in high-stakes diplomacy and international business interests, Ronald Lauder quickly becomes one of the more alluring personalities. He’s a key player in the real life negotiations over Greenland and its possible purchase by the US. Lauder—another billionaire investor with deep connections to the island—was audaciously, unapologetically pro-Trump. This occurred at the same time as Trump’s very real and much criticized attempt to initiate a military coup to seize Greenland. Lauder still backs Trump, motivated by personal and economic factors. He has deep connections to other ventures in Greenland whose continued success a U.S. takeover would jeopardize.
Lauder has stated that he is assisting Trump with “some of the most complex diplomatic challenges imaginable,” indicating his desire to navigate the intricate landscape of international relations concerning Greenland. He has major commercial interests in billion dollar projects. Recent news reports reveal that he personally invested in Greenlandic companies and joined in a consortium to capitalize deposits of lithium in Ukraine—something that neatly intersects with U.S. strategic objectives for controlling rare-earth elements.
In reality, a November 2023 leaked letter made it clear that Lauder’s consortium to extract lithium in Ukraine had won the bid. Such a venture is desperately needed. It closely relates to the growing importance of rare-earth elements in high technology and defense-related applications. In his communications, Lauder emphasized the value of Greenland, stating that “beneath its ice and rock lies a treasure trove of rare-earth elements essential for AI, advanced weaponry and modern technology.”
The former president’s fixation on Greenland gained traction during his administration, with Lauder openly supporting Trump’s ambitions. In 2018, Lauder said that Trump’s dream of ownership of Greenland is “never ridiculous.” He thought it had strategic great power geopolitical significance. Indeed, this pro-privatization perspective found strong support in the Trump administration. John Bolton, then national security adviser, even entertained the Greenland suggestion with Lauder. Bolton recalled, “Trump called me down to the Oval Office,” indicating that these discussions were taken seriously at the highest levels of government.
Lauder’s deep pockets for Trump’s political ambitions only add to the evidence that their interests are thoroughly enmeshed. He donated $5 million to MAGA Inc., a fundraising operation for Trump’s movement, reinforcing his commitment to supporting the former president’s initiatives. Trump won the White House, and Lauder reentered the race with his checkbook. This move reflects Lauder’s deepening complicity with Trump’s agenda and world dominion aspirations.
So as Trump started cranking up his rhetoric on Greenland, Lauder jumped at this opportunity. He expanded his political clout in the region by amassing commercial interests. This smart positioning creates an immediate intrigue. It illustrates the growing overlap between Lauder’s business interests and the foreign policy aims of the Trump administration.
According to Lauder, the U.S. should start developing a “strategic partnership” with Greenland. In this way, he highlights the key role that Greenland is increasingly playing in global trade and security dynamics. He noted, “As ice recedes, new maritime routes are emerging, reshaping global trade and security,” illustrating his understanding of the shifting geopolitical landscape in relation to climate change.
Beyond his corporate interests and political dealings, Lauder has been a rare voice on the progressive side of Trump’s world. He condemned figures like Nick Fuentes, calling him “a virulent antisemite and Holocaust denier plain and simple,” and expressed disbelief that anyone would associate with such individuals: “It is inconceivable that anyone would associate with him.”
Lauder has a history of working with business and government leaders in Greenland. His deep connection to the land further cements his position as one of the region’s most influential changemakers. He stated, “I have worked closely with Greenland’s business and government leaders for years to develop strategic investments there,” highlighting his long-term commitment to fostering economic ties with the island.