US has contingency plans to invade Greenland and Panama, Hegseth reveals
Pentagon has a plan to seize Greenland ‘if necessary’, US defence secretary says
- During a combative congressional hearing, US defence secretary Pete Hegseth faced intense questioning regarding Pentagon contingency plans, his use of Signal chats, and diversity within the military.
- Hegseth acknowledged the Pentagon has plans for various contingencies, including potential actions involving Greenland and Panama, but a Republican lawmaker intervened to clarify there were no plans to invade Greenland.
- Democratic representatives, including Rep. Salud Carbajal, criticised Hegseth's performance, with Carbajal calling him an "embarrassment" and "unfit to lead."
- Hegseth was pressed about his use of Signal chats to discuss military operations, specifically whether he shared classified information regarding strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen.
- Hegseth debated the role of women and transgender service members in the military, asserting that military standards should be high and equal, while also facing criticism for his stance on diversity programs.