The startling geopolitical proposition that the United States should purchase Greenland, floated by former President Donald Trump, did not emerge from a formal policy review. According to a new investigation, it originated from a private conversation with a childhood friend: the billionaire cosmetics heir Ronald Lauder.
The Personal Psychodrama of Power
As detailed by the Guardian's investigations correspondent Tom Burgis, understanding Trump's actions requires looking beyond traditional statecraft. "The thing to remember, always, with Trump is that everything is about the psychodrama," Burgis stated. "Everything is who’s in his ear, what bit of his vanity or insecurity has been activated." This lens reveals how a casual suggestion from a trusted confidant could evolve into a serious, if unconventional, foreign policy initiative.
A Suggestion from an Old Friend
The genesis of the idea, as revealed by former national security adviser John Bolton, was a discussion in 2018. Bolton confirmed that Trump relayed a proposal from a "prominent businessman"—identified as Ronald Lauder—that the US should acquire the vast, autonomous Danish territory. Lauder, the heir to the Estée Lauder global cosmetics empire, has known Trump for more than six decades. His suggestion found a receptive audience in the Oval Office.
The proposal swiftly moved from private musing to public spectacle. Trump's subsequent public expressions of interest, which included confirming his desire to buy the island, caused a significant diplomatic rift with Denmark and turned global headlines. The threat, as analysts noted, was perceived as genuine.
Unanswered Questions and Business Interests
This revelation immediately raises a critical question: what was Ronald Lauder's specific interest in promoting such a deal for Greenland? The island is rich in natural resources, including rare earth minerals crucial for modern technology, and holds immense strategic importance in the Arctic. However, Lauder's precise motivations remain opaque. Ronald Lauder declined to comment when approached by the Guardian for clarification on his role and any potential business interests he may hold in the region.
The episode underscores a recurring theme of Trump's presidency, where the lines between personal relationships, private business, and affairs of state were frequently blurred. It highlights how a proposal from a billionaire friend, bypassing conventional diplomatic and intelligence channels, could momentarily redefine US foreign policy objectives and create international turmoil.
