Senior European officials told the Financial Times recently that President Donald Trump held a "fiery" 45-minute call with Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen over Greenland.
Reportedly, during the call, Trump threatened Denmark with tariffs.
But the tone of the conversation wouldn't be commented on by National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes.
Hughes, however, did state that "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."
Hughes added that Trump "is committed to not only protecting U.S. interests in the Arctic but also working with Greenland to ensure mutual prosperity for both nations."
Both Trump and Frederiksen spoke by phone on Jan. 15. The Danish Prime Minister emphasized that Greenland is not for sale, referring Trump to remarks made by the chair of Greenland's Parliament. However, she did note that it is up to Greenland, part of the Kingdom of Denmark, to decide about its independence.
Doubling down, Frederiksen offered that Denmark could shoulder a larger burden for Arctic security, a point that Trump has contended Denmark cannot handle. She also stressed Danish companies' contributions to U.S. economic growth.
The call, which sources described as spiraling into confrontation, could have been triggered by Frederiksen's hardliner temperament.
One European foreign policy expert likened her to former National Security Adviser John Bolton, stating, "She's like the John Bolton of Europe; she's hard-charging. She doesn't seem like the type that would give any ground. Not that she's unreasonable, but not the kind that would take any sāāā."
The expert speculated that Frederiksen's refusal to budge may have escalated the tension during the conversation.
Trump transition team did not comment on the details of the phone call. But Trump has shown no signs of backing down. Days before the call, Trump told reporters, "I'm sure that Denmark will come along."