Ken Howery: the new ambassador in Denmark and his challenge with Greenland.

Ken Howery, a technology investor who has preferred discretion over public fanfare, has been selected by President-elect Donald Trump as his ambassador to Denmark. The appointment comes at a time when Trump has revived his controversial interest in purchasing Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory that, according to the Danish government, is not for sale. With this choice, Howery finds himself at the center of a geopolitical storm, where his experience and connections in the business world will be put to the test. Howery's close relationship with Elon Musk, the mogul behind companies like Tesla and SpaceX, adds an intriguing dimension to his new role. The two met over two decades ago while working at PayPal, and since then, they have maintained a friendship that has influenced their professional trajectories. The expectation is that Howery will act as a liaison between the Trump administration and Denmark, although he faces the challenge of persuading a country that has been clear in stating that Greenland is not up for discussion. In his statements, Trump has indicated that acquiring Greenland is essential for U.S. national security and has placed his trust in Howery to represent American interests in this complex negotiation. However, the political landscape in which Howery operates is anything but easy, as Denmark's explicit rejection of the sale has become a significant obstacle. Convincing a country that scoffs at Trump's intentions requires diplomatic skills that go beyond his experience in the private sector. Howery's diplomatic career began during his tenure as ambassador to Sweden, where he faced several challenges, including the need to defend Trump's positions in a often-hostile international context. Although his time in Sweden was abruptly cut short due to delays in his confirmation, he managed to establish relationships that could be beneficial in his new position. Now, he is expected to apply those lessons to an even more complicated environment in Denmark. Howery's profile is notably different from other entrepreneurs who have jumped into politics. Despite his friendship with Musk and his connections with prominent figures in Silicon Valley, his friends describe him as someone who is not swayed by bravado. Instead of seeking the spotlight, Howery seems to pursue collaboration and consensus, which could be a valuable attribute in his new role. However, public perception of his relationship with Musk could complicate his mission. Howery has often been seen as a facilitator for Musk, advising him on investment decisions and helping him navigate the political world. As his status as ambassador solidifies, it is likely that his connection with Musk will be closely scrutinized, especially in the context of foreign policy and diplomacy. In his communications about his new role, Howery has expressed his desire to strengthen ties between the U.S. and Denmark, but the shadow of American interest in Greenland could make that task more difficult than expected. The response from Danish leaders will be crucial, and Howery's ability to manage the situation will be tested in the coming days. Additionally, Howery has been involved in the world of political fundraising, where his influence has grown alongside his relationship with Trump. During the electoral campaign, he was present at key events and has continued to cultivate relationships with Silicon Valley donors who share his political vision. This could provide him with solid backing as he navigates the politics in his new position. In a world where personal connections often determine success, Howery's friendship with Musk could be both an asset and a burden. The pressure will be significant, not only due to the expectations surrounding his ability to make progress on Greenland but also for his capacity to maintain a diplomatic image that is not overshadowed by the controversy that often surrounds Trump. Finally, as Howery prepares to take on his role, his trajectory suggests that, while he may be an adventurous globetrotter in his personal life, in the political arena he will need to adopt a more measured and strategic approach. The intersection of his life in Silicon Valley, his relationship with Musk, and his new responsibility as ambassador to Denmark promises to be a fascinating, albeit challenging, chapter in his career.