Archive · 16 Jan 2026
Billionaire Lauder Encouraged Trump's Greenland Acquisition Idea
Ronald Lauder is a very rich man who comes from a family that owns a famous cosmetics company.
He is a long-time friend of former US President Donald Trump.
Lauder suggested to Trump that the US should consider buying Greenland.
He thinks Greenland is important because it has valuable minerals and new shipping routes that could be useful for the US.
Lauder has also been investing in businesses in Greenland.
Some people are worried about his investments because they think he might be trying to influence Greenland's government.
Trump has said that the US needs Greenland, but Denmark and Greenland say the island is not for sale.
Ronald Lauder, an 81-year-old billionaire, is a longtime friend of Donald Trump and encouraged him to consider acquiring Greenland.
Lauder suggested the idea to Trump in 2018, believing Greenland is strategically important due to its rare-earth elements and emerging maritime routes.
Lauder has been investing in Greenland through companies like Greenland Water Bank and Greenland Development Partners.
Some people are concerned that Lauder's investments could be an attempt to influence Greenland's government and shape the narrative that the US is a better partner than Denmark.
Trump has reiterated that the US needs Greenland, but Denmark and Greenland maintain that the island is not for sale and that threats of force are reckless.
- Who
- Ronald Lauder, an 81-year-old billionaire and longtime friend of Donald Trump
- What
- Ronald Lauder encouraged Donald Trump to consider acquiring Greenland
- When
- Lauder planted the idea in Trump's mind in 2018
- Where
- Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory
- Why
- Lauder believes Greenland is strategically important due to its rare-earth elements and emerging maritime routes
- Ronald Lauder's Age
- 81 years old
- Ronald Lauder's Birthdate
- February 26, 1944
- Ronald Lauder's Birthplace
- New York City
- Ronald Lauder's Mother
- Estée Lauder
- Ronald Lauder's Education
- Bronx High School of Science, Wharton School, University of Paris, University of Brussels
- Ronald Lauder's Positions
- Chairman of Clinique Laboratories, Board of Directors of Estée Lauder, Ambassador to Austria, President of the World Jewish Congress
- Ronald Lauder's Marriage
- Jo Carole Knopf (July 1967)
- Ronald Lauder's Children
- Aerin and Jane
- Ronald Lauder's Foundation
- Lauder Foundation (focused on Jewish schools, camps, and community centers)
- Ronald Lauder's Investments in Greenland
- Greenland Water Bank, Greenland Development Partners, Greenland Investment Group