EventSep 15, 10:51 AM

How a MAGA influencer with ties to Russia became Trump’s Arctic adviser

Since Trump appointed Texas venture capitalist Thomas Dans as chair of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission in Dec 2020, he has pushed for new icebreakers, lobbied Dutch shipbuilder Damen amid business ties, urged a U.S. takeover of Greenland, and voiced pro‑Russia views—raising conflict‑of‑interest concerns.

Defense One
Sep 15, 2026, 6:51 PMLatest report
How a MAGA influencer with ties to Russia became Trump’s Arctic adviser(opens in a new tab)
Thomas Dans, a Trump‑appointed business‑savvy commissioner, has steered the U.S. Arctic Research Commission toward a Greenland takeover and expanded shipbuilding ties with Damen Shipyards, while his pro‑Russian stance and private‑sector engagements raise questions about conflicts of interest and U.S. Arctic strategy.
Google Alert: Arctic
Sep 15, 2026, 10:51 AMFirst report
How a MAGA Influencer With Ties to Russia Became Trump's Arctic Adviser(opens in a new tab)
Thomas Dans, head of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission, backed a takeover of Greenland and other items on President Donald Trump's agenda.