A Trump-appointed official who has spent years selling nearer American ties with Greenland says doing so might have an sudden payoff: the return of all-you-can-eat shrimp at Pink Lobster.
Thomas Dans, the chairman of the US Arctic Analysis Fee and a Texas financier, made the bizarre suggestion in a New Yorker journal profile that portrayed him as one of many driving forces behind President Trump’s push to increase US affect in Greenland.
“My view is that america might take all of the seafood Greenland might produce, and minimize out the intermediary, and preserve it from China — and you possibly can convey again all-you-can-eat shrimp at Pink Lobster,” Dans informed the New Yorker.
The journal reported that Dans, accused by Danish authorities of serving to run “affect operations” geared toward rising American sway over the Artic island, served on a beforehand undisclosed Nationwide Safety Council process pressure centered on Greenland throughout Trump’s first time period.
The Submit has sought remark from Dans and the White Home.
A longtime Trump ally, Dans additionally served on the Treasury Division through the president’s first time period, the place he was counselor to the below secretary for worldwide affairs and helped oversee parts of the federal authorities’s pandemic-era aid efforts.
In recent times, nevertheless, he has develop into finest identified for his advocacy on Greenland and Arctic points via American Dawn, a company that promotes nearer ties between the US and Greenland.
Trump has spent years fixated on Greenland, arguing that the huge Arctic island is important to American nationwide safety due to its strategic location between North America and Europe and its entry to delivery routes and pure assets.
After first floating the concept of buying Greenland throughout his first time period, Trump revived the push after returning to workplace, declaring that US “possession and management” of the territory was an “absolute necessity” for nationwide safety.
Whereas Trump has framed Greenland as a national-security crucial, critics have warned that any try to amass the territory would pressure relations with Denmark, a longtime NATO ally.
Polling has additionally proven overwhelming opposition amongst Greenlanders to turning into a part of the US.
It’s also unclear how a possible US acquisition of Greenland would enhance Pink Lobster’s fortunes.
The chain’s signature “Infinite Shrimp” promotion has lengthy been certainly one of its largest attracts, permitting diners to order limitless servings of shrimp for a hard and fast worth.
However the deal turned notorious after Pink Lobster’s earlier administration crew made it a everlasting menu fixture in 2023, a transfer that attracted prospects however hammered income as seafood and labor prices piled up.
Former proprietor Thai Union later disclosed that the promotion contributed to an working hit of roughly $11 million throughout a single quarter, serving to flip “Infinite Shrimp” into a logo of the restaurant chain’s monetary troubles.
Pink Lobster finally filed for Chapter 11 chapter safety in Might 2024, although the corporate has stated a variety of things — together with inflation, rising prices and operational challenges — contributed to its downfall.
After rising from chapter below new possession, Pink Lobster initially distanced itself from the promotion earlier than bringing again “Infinite Shrimp” as a limited-time providing slightly than a everlasting menu merchandise.
