Billionaire Ronald Lauder Pushed Trump's Greenland Acquisition Idea

• Ronald Lauder, an 81-year-old cosmetics billionaire, is identified as the person who encouraged Donald Trump to acquire Greenland.
• Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton confirmed Lauder planted the idea in Trump's mind in 2018.
• Lauder defended Trump's interest in Greenland as strategic, citing its rare-earth elements, emerging maritime routes, and geopolitical importance.
• Lauder has been investing in Greenland through firms like Greenland Water Bank and Greenland Development Partners, with local political connections.
• Concerns exist that Lauder's investments aim to gain influence with the Greenlandic elite and shape the narrative in favor of the US over Denmark.

Why It Matters: Cosmetics billionaire Ronald Lauder was the driving force behind Donald Trump's controversial Greenland acquisition idea.