Denmark was left stunned Wednesday by Donald Trump's decision to postpone a state visit after the government told the US president its autonomous territory Greenland was not for sale.
The Danish Royal House expressed "surprise" at Trump's cancellation while commentators accused Trump of acting like a "colonial overlord".
"Based on Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's comments, that she would have no interest in discussing the purchase of Greenland, I will be postponing our meeting scheduled in two weeks for another time," Trump tweeted on Tuesday.
"The Prime Minister was able to save a great deal of expense and effort for both the United States and Denmark by being so direct."
"Are parts of the US for sale? Alaska? Please show more respect."
Meanwhile, former US ambassador to Denmark Rufus Gifford wrote on Twitter: "He asks for an invitation from a great friend and ally. The Queen obliges invites him for a state visit. He declares the visit contingent on the great friend selling part of its territory to him This. Is. Not. Normal."
"Essentially, it's a large real estate deal."