WASHINGTON (BN24) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged Thursday during a combative congressional hearing that the Pentagon maintains contingency plans to take military action in Greenland and Panama “if necessary,” prompting bipartisan concern and sharp rebuke from House lawmakers. The disclosure came as Hegseth faced intense scrutiny over his handling of sensitive military operations and his use of encrypted messaging apps to discuss classified details.
The remarks surfaced during a House Armed Services Committee hearing, where Democratic lawmakers repeatedly clashed with Hegseth over transparency, national security protocol, and alleged politicization of the armed forces under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Responding to questioning from Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., about whether the Department of Defense had developed plans for forcibly taking Greenland or Panama, Hegseth replied, “Our job at the Defense Department is to have plans for any contingency,” repeating the phrase multiple times despite attempts by committee members to clarify whether such plans involved active invasion scenarios.
Though it is standard for the Pentagon to prepare for a wide range of hypothetical global conflicts, Hegseth’s evasive tone raised alarms. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, quickly interjected to clarify the record.
“It is not your testimony today that there are plans at the Pentagon for taking by force or invading Greenland, correct?” Turner asked. When Hegseth attempted to reiterate his position on contingency planning, Turner cut him off, stating, “I sure as hell hope that is not your testimony.”
Hegseth eventually offered a vague reassurance: “We look forward to working with Greenland to ensure that it is secured from any potential threats.”
Tensions in the hearing room boiled over as Hegseth, who has served as defense secretary under Trump since early in his second term, repeatedly refused to provide direct answers to yes-or-no questions, particularly around his alleged use of private Signal chats to coordinate U.S. military strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., a Marine Corps veteran, pressed Hegseth about the potential disclosure of classified strike details in private messages to both fellow officials and family members. Hegseth maintained that the classification markings could not be discussed, but also argued that the information he shared was not classified — a contradiction that Moulton pounced on.
“You can very well disclose whether or not it was classified,” Moulton said.
“What’s not classified is that it was an incredible, successful mission,” Hegseth responded, brushing off concerns.
Hegseth refused to say whether he would take responsibility if an inspector general report — expected in the coming weeks — finds that he mishandled classified materials. Asked if he would apologize to the family of a pilot whose life may have been endangered by the breach, he replied, “I don’t apologize for success.”
Democratic lawmakers expressed outrage throughout the hours-long session, accusing Hegseth of evading accountability and undermining military integrity. At one point, Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-Calif., shouted, “You’re an embarrassment to this country. You’re unfit to lead. You should just get the hell out.”
GOP lawmakers, meanwhile, repeatedly defended Hegseth, accusing Democrats of disrespecting the secretary and politicizing the hearing. Hegseth said he was “happy to take the arrows” for making tough decisions, insisting his actions were in the country’s best interest.
Also under the microscope was a recent speech by President Trump at Fort Bragg, where members of the 82nd Airborne Division in uniform were directed to stand behind him as he delivered partisan attacks against President Joe Biden. The event featured cheering troops, a pop-up MAGA merchandise stand, and images that raised concerns over politicization of the military.
Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who appeared alongside Hegseth, told lawmakers he was unaware of any violations but reaffirmed that service members must remain apolitical.
Hegseth also came under fire over his views on women and transgender troops. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., challenged him on whether women were capable of fulfilling combat duties. Hegseth replied, “It depends on the context,” citing physical differences in how equipment is carried.
He has previously stated that women should not serve in direct combat roles, though he noted during the hearing that the number of female recruits has increased under the Trump administration. Hegseth insisted that standards should be “high and equal.”
When Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., highlighted the service records of three transgender women being forced out under a Pentagon directive banning transgender personnel, Hegseth initially praised their accomplishments but backtracked upon learning of their gender identity.
The renewed interest in Greenland — a mineral-rich, autonomous territory of Denmark — comes after Trump repeatedly floated the idea of acquiring the island. Those comments have been firmly rejected by Greenlandic officials.
“Greenland is not for sale,” said Jacob Isbosethsen, Greenland’s representative to the United States, during a panel hosted Thursday by the Arctic Institute in Washington.
Rep. Smith rebuked the administration’s posturing, saying, “Speaking on behalf of the American people, I don’t think the American people voted for President Trump because they were hoping we would invade Greenland.”
The incident adds to mounting concerns over the Trump administration’s approach to national security, civil-military relations, and institutional norms. The hearing underscores Congress’s effort to reassert oversight as executive power continues to expand.
A Pentagon inspector general report on Hegseth’s communications is expected to be a critical test of accountability within the Department of Defense. Until then, the controversy surrounding Greenland, Signal leaks, and the direction of military policy is unlikely to subside.
