Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth
On Thursday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth refused to rule out the possibility of a future military invasion of Greenland and Panama, hinting to lawmakers that the Pentagon may have such plans.
During his testimony before the House Armed Services Committee, Hegseth stated that the department “plans for any particular contingency” and that “I think the American people would want the Pentagon to have plans for anything.”
When pressed by Republican lawmakers to dismiss the possibility of a US military attack on Greenland or Panama, Hegseth reiterated that the “Pentagon has plans for any number of contingencies” and that officials “look forward to working with Greenland to ensure that it is secured from any potential threats.”
Democrats on the panel scoffed at these responses.
Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., said, “Americans didn’t vote for Trump to invade Greenland. This makes the U.S. look selfish.”
For months, critics have worried Trump may consider U.S. military action to seize Greenland, Panama, Canada, and other allied territories.
Trump has often said online and in speeches that Denmark should give up Greenland and that Canada should join as the 51st state.
Officials from the administration have downplayed the comments.
In his first appearance before the committee, Hegseth avoided directly responding to the allegations but stated that the US government has a strong interest in protecting the areas from Chinese influence or manipulation.
Earlier this week, Denmark’s Parliament approved legislation allowing new US military bases on Danish soil, broadening an existing military agreement between the two countries.
However, Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has recently stated that he will oppose any US efforts to seize the Danish territory.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon is likely to move Greenland from U.S. European Command to U.S. Northern Command, which is responsible for defending the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The change only involves redrawing the maps of US combatant commands and handing over responsibility for Greenland’s military forces, but it has sparked concern in Denmark, where some believe the administration is attempting to draw the territory closer to America.
Hegseth doesn’t rule out military action against Greenland. Panama
On Thursday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth refused to rule out the possibility of a future military invasion of Greenland and Panama, hinting to lawmakers that the Pentagon may have such plans.
During his testimony before the House Armed Services Committee, Hegseth stated that the department “plans for any particular contingency” and that “I think the American people would want the Pentagon to have plans for anything.”
When Republicans asked him to rule out a U.S. attack on Greenland or Panama, Hegseth refused to dismiss the idea.
He said the Pentagon always prepares for many contingencies and wants to work with Greenland to guard against possible threats.
Democrats on the panel scoffed at these responses.
Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., said, “Americans didn’t elect Trump to invade Greenland. This shows U.S. selfishness and disregard for allies.”
For months, critics have warned about Trump’s potential plans for U.S. military takeovers in Greenland, Panama, Canada, and allied regions.
Trump has repeatedly said on social media and in speeches that Denmark should surrender Greenland for security and Canada should join America.
Officials from the administration have downplayed the comments.
In his first committee appearance, Hegseth dodged allegations but stressed America’s need to shield areas from Chinese manipulation.
Denmark’s Parliament approved new legislation this week, allowing U.S. military bases on Danish soil under an expanded defense agreement.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen vowed to oppose any American attempts to take control of Danish territory.
The Pentagon plans to shift Greenland from U.S. European Command to Northern Command, which covers America, Canada, and Mexico.
This adjustment only redraws command maps and transfers Greenland’s military oversight, but it has stirred unease in Denmark.
References
- U.S. Department of Defense—Official Website
- House Armed Services Committee Hearings
- CNN—Hegseth Refuses to Rule Out Military Action
- Reuters—U.S. Eyes Greenland Amid Arctic Tensions
- BBC – Denmark Approves U.S. Bases
- The Washington Post—Trump’s Greenland Ambitions
- The Guardian—U.S. Military Strategy in the Arctic
