Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared to confirm that the Pentagon has developed plans in case it becomes necessary to seize Greenland and Panama by force, but he dodged multiple questions about his use of the messaging app Signal to discuss military action during a tense congressional hearing on Thursday.
Democratic members of the House Armed Services Committee repeatedly engaged in heated debates with Mr. Hegseth, with military veterans asking the most pointed questions as many demanded yes or no answers and he tried to avoid giving definitive answers about his actions as Pentagon chief.
During one discussion, Mr. Hegseth was shocked when Representative Adam Smith asked whether the Pentagon intended to use force to seize Greenland or Panama if necessary.
“Our job at the Ministry of Defence is to have plans for every contingency,” Mr Hegseth has said repeatedly.
It's normal for the Pentagon to develop strategies for an unexpected conflict that hasn't yet happened, but his response to questions prompted an intervention from a Republican lawmaker minutes later.
Representative Mike Turner asked: “You are not being given the opportunity to testify that there are plans within the Pentagon to seize Greenland by force or invade Greenland, correct?”
When Mr Hegseth began to repeat his answer about contingency plans, Mr Turner added emphatically: “I damn well hope that's not you.”
“We look forward to working with Greenland to ensure its protection from any potential threats,” Mr. Hegseth responded.
Again and again, officials pressed Mr. Hegseth to answer questions he had avoided for months, including during two previous days of hearings on Capitol Hill. And the frustration was palpable.
“You are a disgrace to this country. You are not fit to lead,” Salud Carbajal snapped, the California Democrat's voice rising. “You should just walk away.”
President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he wants to take control of the strategically important, resource-rich island nation of Greenland, a longtime U.S. ally.
These statements were met with sharp condemnation from Greenland's leadership.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
