US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared to acknowledge that the Pentagon has developed plans to take Greenland and Panama by force if necessary, but refused to answer repeated questions during a congressional hearing on the use of chat rooms to discuss military operations, the Associated Press reported, quoted by BTA.
Democratic members of the House Armed Services Committee repeatedly engaged in heated exchanges with Hegseth, with some of the toughest questions being asked by military veterans who insisted on "yes" answers or "no", and he was trying to avoid direct answers about his actions as head of the Pentagon.
In one of the verbal skirmishes, Hegseth gave an answer that caused surprise. Republican Adam Smith asked whether the Pentagon had developed plans to take over Greenland or Panama by force if necessary.
"Our job at the Department of Defense is to have contingency plans," Hegseth said several times.
It is not unusual for the Pentagon to develop contingency plans for conflicts that have not occurred, but his approach to the issues prompted a Republican lawmaker to intervene minutes later.
"You are not telling us today that there are plans in the Pentagon to take over or invade Greenland, are you?" said Republican Mike Turner.
"We look forward to working with Greenland to ensure that it is protected from any potential threats," Hegseth replied.
Repeatedly, lawmakers pressed Hegseth for an answer questions he had avoided for months, including during the previous two days of hearings on Capitol Hill. Frustration turned to disappointment.
"You are a disgrace to this country. You are unfit to lead," Republican Salud Carbajal exploded, as the California Democrat's voice rose. "You should just go the hell away."
Republican lawmakers have repeatedly apologized to Hegsett for the Democrats' sharp remarks, saying he should not be the subject of such "blatant disrespect." Hegsett said he was "happy to take the bait" and do what he does best.