In December 2020, President Donald Trump appointed Thomas Dans, a Texas-based venture capitalist and prominent supporter of the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement, to lead the U.S. Arctic Research Commission. The commission typically advises Congress and the president on Arctic research and policy, but under Dans, its focus has shifted toward promoting Trump’s political and economic agenda. Dans has supported ideas such as the potential U.S. acquisition of Greenland and closer ties with Russia, while also promoting Damen Shipyards, a Dutch company with which he had a business relationship, for government icebreaker contracts. Dans has long been associated with pro-Russian views and has shared social media posts expressing support for Russia. He has advocated for better U.S.-Russia relations, saying, “Russia and the United States gotta get along for that to happen.” His consulting firm, Almiranta Strategies, advises investors and businesses in the Arctic region, and he has previously worked with Russian business figures, including Kirill Dmitriev, a Harvard-educated banker who has connections to both the Russian government and Trump administration officials. Dans’ appointment has sparked concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Unlike most high-level presidential appointees, the Arctic commission chair is not a federal employee and is not required to file an ethics form. A White House official claimed that Dans’ consulting work does not constitute a conflict of interest, as he is one of two commission members representing “the interests of industry.” However, ethics experts have raised concerns about his foreign ties and access to government information. Dans has been involved in various business ventures, including a failed bid to buy the Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, which was partially owned by a business partner of a former Russian deputy minister. He has also worked with Damen Shipyards, a company under investigation in the Netherlands for possibly violating European sanctions by supplying Russia with military-related equipment. Dans shared a photo with Damen executives, including Rutger Dolk, who was later detained in the investigation. Additionally, Dans has supported Trump’s Arctic policies, including the potential annexation of Greenland, which has caused tensions with Denmark. The Danish government has taken defensive measures, including preparing to destroy airfields in Greenland if an invasion were to occur, while Greenlanders have emphasized that they are not for sale. Dans has also posted content in Russian on social media, including messages like “Happy Victory Day,” a phrase often used in Russian propaganda. Ethics experts have warned that such posts could promote narratives that conflict with U.S. national interests. The White House has defended Dans, stating that he is effectively leading the Arctic Research Commission and that his background in shipbuilding has been beneficial in his role. However, the administration has not addressed his specific influence on diplomatic discussions with Greenland and Denmark.