In a recent phone call, President Donald Trump reiterated his administration's desire to acquire Greenland, sparking alarm within the Danish government.

The conversation between Trump and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is said to have raised tensions in Europe, as Trump hinted at using tariffs or military means for leverage, evoking backlash from leaders across the continent, as Breitbart reports.

Last week, President Trump and Prime Minister Frederiksen spoke for approximately 45 minutes. During the discussion, Trump strongly restated the United States' interest in purchasing Greenland, a notion that had previously stirred controversy.

While some European observers initially speculated that Trump's demands were a negotiating tactic to increase NATO spending by European countries, the call demonstrated Washington's serious intention, pushing Denmark into what officials described as a "crisis mode."

Tensions Rise Due to Tariff Threats

The phone conversation quickly escalated as Trump reportedly threatened Denmark with targeted tariffs. These threats were not entirely new, as Trump had mentioned the possibility of imposing tariffs on Denmark before his inauguration.

His rhetoric did not exclude the potential use of military power to facilitate the acquisition of Greenland, further intensifying European concerns.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot voiced strong opposition, emphasizing that Greenland is recognized as a territory of the European Union by France.

Barrot declared that the E.U. could not condone any encroachments on its territorial sovereignty, stating, "a territory of the European Union" and it is "out of the question."

European Leaders Express Strong Opposition

European leaders swiftly condemned the idea of U.S. acquisition of Greenland. Anders Vistisen, a vocal Danish member of the European Parliament, firmly responded to Trump's proposal, asserting Greenland's longstanding ties with Denmark. "Dear President Trump, listen very carefully," declared Vistisen, stressing that Greenland has been part of the Danish Kingdom for centuries and is not for sale.

Meanwhile, Greenland's own political leadership is navigating a complex position. Prime Minister Múte Egede expressed Greenland's aspirations for independence from Denmark, while simultaneously showing interest in expanding cooperation with the U.S.

Security Concerns Persist in Arctic

Amid the geopolitical frictions, the White House National Security Council underscored the strategic significance of Greenland. With increasing Chinese and Russian ventures in the Arctic, the U.S. reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the region's safety and security.

"President Trump has been clear," stated a spokesman, highlighting the dual aim of protecting U.S. interests and ensuring mutual prosperity in the Arctic with Greenland.

Reactions from Observers Emerge

European observers, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the Danish response to Trump's proposal as highly alarmed. One official remarked, "The intent was very clear. They want it." Another noted, "The Danes are utterly freaked out by this."

A former Danish official provided more insight into the heated nature of the exchange, characterizing it as exceedingly tense.

Denmark's Way Forward

Denmark, now grappling with the implications of Trump's renewed claims, faces a challenging path ahead. The call has deepened the need for Denmark to mediate its relationship with the U.S., alongside maintaining unity within the E.U.

The future of Greenland remains a subject of both national pride for Denmark and international strategies, especially given the U.S.'s continued interest in Arctic security and development. As the situation unfolds, how Denmark and Greenland navigate these diplomatic waters will be of crucial importance to the broader European response.

In the meantime, the international community continues to observe developments, anticipating next steps in this multifaceted geopolitical narrative.

Europe remains firmly united in its stance, ready to counter any attempts that may challenge Greenland's place within Denmark and the E.U.