A CBC News report detailed growing U.S. investment in Canadian and Greenlandic critical mineral resources, particularly rare earth minerals, as the United States seeks to lessen its dependence on China. The report focused on the role of individuals with close ties to former U.S. President Donald Trump in brokering deals and influencing policy.

Trump Associates Linked to Deals

Drew Horn, founder and CEO of GreenMet, a company that brokers deals between businesses and governments, was highlighted as a key figure. Horn, a former U.S. Special Forces soldier, has been meeting with officials at the Pentagon and White House to discuss projects, according to the broadcast. GreenMet’s co-founders include George Soriel, a former Trump Organization lawyer, and Keith Schiller, Trump’s longtime bodyguard.

The CBC report noted Horn has been promoting a potential rare earth mine in Greenland and a proposed AI data center in the north of the country. Greenland’s mining minister stated they have had meetings with Horn, but noted challenges to mining in Greenland, including harsh weather, lack of infrastructure, and strict environmental rules.

U.S. Department of Defence Investments in Canada

The broadcast revealed the U.S. Department of Defence has invested at least $62.6 million USD in Canadian mining projects, with a further $260 million identified in analysis by The Fifth Estate. One company receiving funding is U-Corp, a rare earth processor based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, which has received over $22 million USD to develop new processing technology and a commercial facility in Louisiana.

Horn also helped facilitate a deal between U-Corp and a proposed mine in Greenland.

Sovereignty Concerns Raised

Concerns were raised about potential U.S. encroachment on Canadian sovereignty. Rodrigue Turgeon of MiningWatch Canada called on the Canadian government to be transparent about its analysis of the situation and to act to protect Canadian interests. He referenced past statements by Trump about annexing Canada.

According to the broadcast, Turgeon stated that if this isn’t a threat, it is perceived as one, and legislative changes are needed to ensure foreign companies aren’t actively involved in Canada’s mining industry.

The report also touched on Trump’s previous attempt to acquire Greenland in 2019, which was met with resistance from Denmark and resulted in a public dispute with the Danish Prime Minister.