While President Donald Trump has publicly insisted on acquiring Greenland, even threatening military action, a small network of his former employees and associates has been quietly building business interests on the island. Among them are George Sorial, a former top executive at the Trump Organization, and Keith Schiller, who once oversaw security for the White House. Both hold shares in GreenMet, a company that has secured a partnership with Tanbreez Mining Greenland, which holds a license to extract rare earth minerals.
GreenMet, operated under the name Greentech Minerals Holdings Inc., lists Sorial and Schiller as beneficial owners in corporate records. The company’s CEO, Drew Horn, previously served as an aide to former Vice President Mike Pence and held a national security role. While Horn has openly discussed his work in Greenland, the involvement of Sorial and Schiller has remained largely under the radar.
Sorial told reporters that he and Schiller are merely passive investors with no management duties, stating, “We are not actively involved with GreenMet or Greenland.” However, records show they were once more deeply tied to the firm.
The timing of these business maneuvers has raised concerns. Critics argue that Trump’s aggressive push for the island, combined with his allies’ financial interests there, creates a conflict of interest. Norman Eisen, a former U.S. ambassador, said the situation is troubling, noting that “Trump’s illegal and illegitimate designs on Greenland are made worse by allegations that his associates have ties to companies that could benefit from the president’s actions.”
The U.S. government’s efforts to acquire Greenland have been met with strong opposition from local leaders and Denmark, which has controlled the territory for centuries. Despite this, Trump and his supporters continue to rally for a takeover. Horn recently appeared on national television, claiming Greenlanders are “tired of being exploited and oppressed by the Danes,” a statement that drew criticism for its irony given the history of colonialism.
Another figure linked to both the administration and GreenMet is Ned Mamula, the company’s former chief geologist. Mamula now leads the U.S. Geological Survey, a key agency for mineral research. Though he has since stepped away from GreenMet, his past ties highlight the revolving door between Trump’s inner circle and business ventures tied to Arctic resources.
Trump has repeatedly cited the island’s mineral wealth and strategic location as reasons for acquisition. In a speech to Congress, he declared, “One way or the other, we’re going to get it.” His son, Donald Trump Jr., visited Greenland shortly before the inauguration, sparking speculation about family business interests, though no evidence of such has emerged.
Meanwhile, former Treasury official Thomas Dans has also positioned himself in Greenland affairs. He runs a nonprofit called American Daybreak, which helped organize visits by Trump Jr. and Vice President JD Vance. Dans was recently appointed to head the U.S. Arctic Research Commission, a role typically held by academics.
The push for Greenland’s resources is part of a broader global competition over rare earth minerals, which are essential for electronics and defense technology. Clare Hammond of Global Witness noted that the scramble is driven by the need to counter China’s dominance, fueling both geopolitical tensions and profit opportunities.
As the administration moves to secure influence in Greenland, the overlapping interests of Trump’s allies and their business dealings have raised questions about ethics and transparency.