Pressed on Greenland, Pentagon chief says planners ready for "any contingency"

During a congressional hearing on June 12, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the Pentagon has developed contingency plans for a variety of scenarios, including potential military operations involving Greenland and Panama.

When questioned by Democratic Representative Adam Smith of Washington about whether the Defence Department has plans to take Greenland or Panama by force if necessary, Hegseth repeatedly emphasised that "our job at the Defence Department is to have plans for any contingency", Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Smith pressed further, asking if those plans include the possibility of “basically invading Denmark,” to which Hegseth responded, “Any contingency you need, we’ve got it. We got a building full of planners, and we’re prepared to give recommendations whenever needed.”

Smith continued, “You have plans to take Panama and Greenland by force, if necessary?” Hegseth replied that he believes the American people would want the Pentagon to be prepared for “any particular contingency.”

Smith remarked, “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.”

Republican Representative Mike Turner of Ohio then stepped in to clarify, asking Hegseth if he was confirming that the Pentagon has plans to invade or take Greenland by force. Hegseth replied that his testimony simply indicated the Pentagon prepares “for any number of contingencies,” without specifically confirming plans to invade Greenland.

Turner pressed again, “It is not your testimony today that there are plans at the Pentagon for taking by force or invading Greenland, correct?” Hegseth maintained that he was not confirming such plans but reiterated that cooperation with Greenland is expected to ensure the island’s protection from any potential threats.

The strategic importance of Greenland, rich in resources and maintaining close ties with the US, has been a point of interest for President Donald Trump, who has publicly expressed a desire to acquire the island. However, Greenland’s leadership has consistently rejected these overtures.

By Tamilla Hasanova