Ken Howery, a reserved and unassuming tech investor, has unexpectedly found himself in the middle of two of the most contentious storylines surrounding the incoming Trump administration. On one side, there is the soaring ambition of Elon Musk, his close friend and former PayPal co-founder. On the other, there is Donald Trump’s controversial and expansionist ambition — acquiring Greenland, the world’s largest island. The New York Times recently highlighted Howery’s appointment as U.S. Ambassador to Denmark, a position that thrusts him into the geopolitical fray surrounding Trump’s desire for Greenland, even though Denmark has repeatedly rejected any notion of selling it.
Howery’s new role is part of a larger trend in which tech magnates and investors have found themselves drawn into Trump’s orbit. With Trump’s insistence that Greenland is crucial for U.S. national security, he has made clear his desire to move forward with plans to bring the island into the U.S. fold. As Howery steps into the ambassadorship, he will be tasked with navigating the complicated political dynamics between Denmark and the U.S. over the future of Greenland.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump reiterated the importance of Greenland, stating, “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.” Howery was subsequently appointed as Trump’s ambassador to Denmark, and he expressed enthusiasm about strengthening U.S.-Denmark ties, mentioning not just the embassy in Copenhagen but also the consulate in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk. His friend Musk, known for his strong support of Trump, congratulated Howery, adding his own message: “Congrats! Help America gain Greenland.”
As a tech investor who co-founded PayPal with Musk and other Silicon Valley heavyweights, Howery’s career has largely been defined by venture capital investments rather than geopolitical maneuvering. However, his connection to Musk and his previous stint as U.S. ambassador to Sweden during Trump’s first term have placed him in the position of facilitating some of the Trump administration’s most ambitious foreign policy moves. As noted by The New York Times, Howery’s prior experience in Sweden included defending Trump’s unconventional approach to NATO, which Sweden had been seeking to join at the time.
Despite his involvement in Silicon Valley’s high-flying world of venture capital and tech investments, Howery is no political ideologue. As The New York Times reports, friends of Howery say that his attraction to diplomacy is more about his interest in international affairs and the opportunity to experience life overseas than any particular ideological alignment with Trump. Howery’s appointment reflects the increasing intersection of Silicon Valley and politics, particularly under the Trump administration. Many of Trump’s political allies, such as Howery, share a background in the tech world and have shown a willingness to support the president’s unconventional vision.
However, Howery’s new role is hardly without its challenges. Denmark and Greenland have both firmly rejected Trump’s real estate ambitions for the island, with officials publicly mocking the idea of selling Greenland on social media. Rufus Gifford, who served as U.S. ambassador to Denmark under President Obama, expressed skepticism about Howery’s ability to broker a deal, saying, “If you’re entering into the political firestorm that would be Donald Trump’s stated desire to purchase Greenland, I don’t believe there’s very much on your résumé that can help you navigate that.”
Despite these challenges, Howery’s appointment is indicative of the growing influence of Silicon Valley’s elite within the halls of government. With ties to both Musk and Trump, Howery is poised to play a crucial role in shaping U.S.-Denmark relations — whether or not those relations lead to the sale of Greenland.
As The New York Times suggests, Howery’s position embodies the complex blend of diplomacy, technology, and political ambition that characterizes much of the Trump administration’s foreign policy strategy. Whether he can succeed in the diplomatic firestorm surrounding Greenland is yet to be seen, but one thing is clear: Howery’s quiet, adventure-seeking personality is about to be tested on the world stage.