Donald Trump has lashed out at the Danish Prime Minister during a "horrendous" 45-minute phone call as the duo discussed Greenland's future.
The heated discussion has been described as "explosive" and was driven by Trump's demand that securing Greenland was required for national security purposes.
The exchange between the two leaders has led to reports that the lack of an agreement might lead to real military action from the US, according to sources for the Financial Times.
The call - which occurred several days before the President's inauguration - culminated in the alleged threat from Trump that the US would impose tariffs on Denmark if Mette Frederiksen refused to entertain Trump's latest ambitions.
"It was horrendous," one said.
Another commented: "He was very firm. It was a cold shower. Before, it was hard to take it seriously. But I do think it is serious and potentially very dangerous," the source said.
Donald Trump has insisted that his determination to take over Greenland was serious as the nation has become a key battleground between China and Russia in recent years.
However, the call's failure is likely to entrench European worries that Trump's second term will further harm transatlantic ties.
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"We are open for business, but we're not for sale," Greenland's foreign minister Ane Lone Bagger told Reuters.
Beyond Greenland, Trump has contemplated taking over the Panama Canal and Canada.
"The intent was very clear. They want it. The Danes are now in crisis mode," said one source who had been briefed on the call.
Another person said: "The Danes are utterly freaked out by this."
An ex-Danish official elaborated: "It was a very tough conversation. He threatened specific measures against Denmark such as targeted tariffs."
Greenland was a key strategic location for the US as it acts as an entry point to new shipping routes through the Arctic, as well as increased access to rare minerals.
A White House National Security Council spokesman said: "President Trump has been clear that the safety and security of Greenland is important to the United States as China and Russia make significant investments throughout the Arctic region.
"The President is committed to not only protecting US interests in the Arctic but also working with Greenland to ensure mutual prosperity for both nations."
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The heated discussion has been described as "explosive" and was driven by Trump's demand that securing Greenland was required for national security purposes.
The exchange between the two leaders has led to reports that the lack of an agreement might lead to real military action from the US, according to sources for the Financial Times.
The call - which occurred several days before the President's inauguration - culminated in the alleged threat from Trump that the US would impose tariffs on Denmark if Mette Frederiksen refused to entertain Trump's latest ambitions.
"It was horrendous," one said.
Another commented: "He was very firm. It was a cold shower. Before, it was hard to take it seriously. But I do think it is serious and potentially very dangerous," the source said.
Donald Trump has insisted that his determination to take over Greenland was serious as the nation has become a key battleground between China and Russia in recent years.
However, the call's failure is likely to entrench European worries that Trump's second term will further harm transatlantic ties.
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"We are open for business, but we're not for sale," Greenland's foreign minister Ane Lone Bagger told Reuters.
Beyond Greenland, Trump has contemplated taking over the Panama Canal and Canada.
"The intent was very clear. They want it. The Danes are now in crisis mode," said one source who had been briefed on the call.
Another person said: "The Danes are utterly freaked out by this."
An ex-Danish official elaborated: "It was a very tough conversation. He threatened specific measures against Denmark such as targeted tariffs."
Greenland was a key strategic location for the US as it acts as an entry point to new shipping routes through the Arctic, as well as increased access to rare minerals.
A White House National Security Council spokesman said: "President Trump has been clear that the safety and security of Greenland is important to the United States as China and Russia make significant investments throughout the Arctic region.
"The President is committed to not only protecting US interests in the Arctic but also working with Greenland to ensure mutual prosperity for both nations."
Find Out More...