Hegseth won't rule out military actions against Greenland, Panama Thursday, Jun 12, 2025

Pressed by Republican lawmakers to dismiss the possibility of such a U.S. 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."
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The issue of possible U.S. military intervention to take over Greenland, Panama, Canada and other allied territories has been a point of concern for months among critics of President Donald Trump.

On social media and in White House comments, Trump has stated multiple times that Denmark should surrender control of Greenland for the good of global security, and that Canada should become the 51st state in the American union.
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Hegseth, in his first appearance before the committee, avoided directly responding to the claims, but said the United States government has significant interest in protecting the areas from Chinese influence or manipulation.

Earlier this week, Denmark's Parliament approved legislation to allow new U.S. military bases on Danish soil, broadening an existing previous military agreement between the countries.

But Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen in recent months has vowed to oppose any U.S. efforts to take over the Danish territory.

The Pentagon, meanwhile, is likely to shift Greenland from U.S. European Command to U.S. Northern Command, the military body responsible for defense of the American homeland, Mexico and Canada.
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