A "tense exchange" refers to a conversation or interaction between people that is filled with a lot of tension, discomfort, or uneasiness. Full definition
Comey's dismissal and Mueller's investigation were also the subjects of tense exchanges between Democratic senators and the Attorney General. (fortune.com)
Over the course of 90 minutes at the Symphony Space on the Upper West Side, the two shared a number of tense exchanges as they made their pitches to voters. (gothamgazette.com)
Phil Mickelson had a rather tense exchange with his longtime looper, Bones McKay, before blasting one over the green. (sbnation.com)