WASHINGTON -- The fight between the United States and Turkey could flare up even more, as the White House looks to ramp up the pressure over a detained American pastor.

  • Pastor Andrew Brunson was swept up in the aftermath of a failed coup attempt in 2016.
  • Brunson is from North Carolina.
  • The fight between Turkey and the U.S. has escalated in recent weeks.

Earlier this month, the Trump administration announced sanctions against Turkish leaders. Now, they are threatening further action if Pastor Andrew Brunson is not released from House arrest.

“We have more that we're planning to do if they don't release him,” said Treasury Sec. Steven Mnuchin during a cabinet meeting Thursday.

Brunson, who is from North Carolina, was swept up in the aftermath of a failed 2016 coup attempt. He is facing terrorism and espionage related charges that U.S. officials say are frivolous.

After more than a year behind bars, he was put under house arrest. Earlier this week a Turkish court denied his appeal for release.

During the cabinet meeting, President Donald Trump took a shot at Turkey, which is a long-time U.S. ally and fellow NATO member.

“Turkey -- they have not proven to be a good friend, they have a great Christian pastor there, a very good man,” he said.

The fight between Turkey and the U.S. has escalated in recent weeks, with Brunson’s detainment as a flashpoint. After the U.S. imposed tariffs and sanctions, Turkey fired back with tariffs of its own on a variety of goods, including cars.

The ongoing spat has only contributed to Turkey’s mounting economic turmoil.