Hegseth Warns of Possible Greenland, Panama Takeover

Washington : In a controversial testimony before the US Congress, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed that the Pentagon has contingency plans to forcibly take control of Greenland and Panama if national security demands it. While emphasizing that such moves are not immediate, he stressed that these strategies are being explored as a part of broader defense preparedness. Hegseth’s statement has sparked international debate, drawing sharp attention from global allies and adversaries alike.

According to Hegseth, the United States must be ready for strategic action should critical global infrastructure or geographical chokepoints become compromised. Greenland, with its arctic position and growing geopolitical importance, and Panama, due to its globally significant canal, are considered vital to America’s national interests. However, he clarified that these are theoretical plans drawn up in case of emergency and not active military operations.

When questioned about allegations regarding the use of the encrypted Signal app to share classified information with unauthorized individuals, Hegseth refused to provide clear answers. Lawmakers expressed frustration over his evasiveness, which only fueled more political controversy. Several members of Congress criticized the Defense Secretary’s lack of transparency, warning that bypassing accountability could damage public trust in national defense operations.

Meanwhile, diplomatic ripples have already begun forming, with leaders from Greenland, Denmark, and Panama seeking official clarification from Washington. Both countries have expressed concern over the implications of such contingency planning, labeling the idea of forced takeover as alarming and hostile.

Analysts note that this incident underscores a broader shift in US foreign and military policy—one where preemptive strategies are increasingly considered necessary in an unpredictable global environment. The use of secure communication apps like Signal among high-level defense personnel has also reignited debates over data privacy and security oversight within government agencies.

The Defense Department has yet to release an official statement following Hegseth’s remarks, and the White House has so far remained silent on the issue. As pressure mounts both domestically and internationally, this controversy is expected to dominate upcoming defense and foreign policy discussions on Capitol Hill.