We Could Have Endless Shrimp: Trump Official's Argument for Greenland Annexation

A senior appointee of U.S. President Donald Trump argued that annexing Greenland could secure an endless supply of shrimp for the American restaurant chain Red Lobster.

The Trump administration has previously cited strategic security interests, mineral wealth, and Denmark’s alleged mismanagement to justify taking control of the vast Arctic island.

Tom Dans, chair of the United States Arctic Research Commission and a former pecan farmer and venture capitalist, introduced the seafood argument earlier this year.

He claimed U.S. control of Greenland’s fisheries would cut out foreign middlemen and block Chinese access to the market.

"You could bring back all-you-can-eat shrimp at Red Lobster," Dans told The New Yorker.

Red Lobster, which operates hundreds of U.S. locations, canceled its "endless shrimp" promotion in 2024 amid a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.

The company has since reinstated the offer.

“A simple transaction”

The Danish government has identified Dans as a key figure leading "influence operations" within Greenland.

He previously served in the Treasury Department during Trump’s first term.

He also participated in a National Security Council task force dedicated to assuming control of the territory, which has a population of roughly 57,000.

Despite having never visited Greenland, Dans described the potential acquisition, which would surpass the size of the Louisiana Purchase, as a simple transaction.

He characterized the island as "asset-rich and cash-poor," stating that securing control is straightforward for individuals with investment banking backgrounds.

To Counter Russian, Chinese Ambitions

Trump first raised the prospect of acquiring Greenland during his initial term, but escalated his rhetoric last year upon returning to office.

The U.S. president dismissed Denmark's military presence on the island as "two dog sleds," despite a 1951 treaty granting Washington base-building rights.

Trump argued the U.S. must acquire the territory to counter Russian and Chinese ambitions.

"We’ll get Greenland. Yeah, 100 percent," Trump told NBC News in March, adding he would not take military force off the table.

The hostile rhetoric drew widespread condemnation across Europe.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen urged the U.S. to cease its threats, stating the territory is not for sale.

In response to the escalating language, the Danish military reportedly began deploying troops to the island to prepare for a potential attack.

Taking a Back-Seat to Iran War

Trump later softened his stance during a January trip to Switzerland, ruling out military force while demanding "immediate negotiations."

The onset of the Iran war in February temporarily shifted U.S. foreign policy focus away from the Arctic territory. However, Trump has continued to reference the acquisition to justify his broader opposition to NATO.

In May, The New York Times reported that senior administration officials held closed-door meetings with Danish and Greenlandic negotiators.

Despite the administration's persistent efforts, a January Quinnipiac survey found 86 percent of Americans oppose taking Greenland by force.

Polling in Greenland indicates overwhelming opposition from local residents.