Pentagon Chief Pressed on Secret Signal Chats, Plans \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced fierce bipartisan questioning Thursday over reports the Pentagon drafted plans to forcibly seize Greenland and Panama. Lawmakers also scrutinized his use of encrypted Signal chats to discuss military operations. Tensions ran high during the combative House Armed Services Committee hearing, with Democrats demanding accountability.
Quick Looks
- Hegseth acknowledged Pentagon contingency plans for Greenland, Panama
- Refused to confirm or deny details under intense questioning
- Lawmakers furious over possible plans for armed takeovers
- Encrypted Signal chats on Yemen strike plans spark probe
- Potential classified disclosures under investigation by Pentagon watchdog
- Rep. Moulton pressed Hegseth on accountability if rules were broken
- Hegseth said he would not apologize for “success”
- Democrats outraged over use of troops in political events
- Fort Bragg speech by Trump criticized for politicizing military
- Debate erupts over women, transgender service members in combat
- Hegseth said women carry gear “differently,” drew criticism
- Transgender troops forced out under new Pentagon policy
- GOP defends Hegseth; Democrats call for consequences
Deep Look
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth found himself at the center of a political firestorm Thursday during a high-stakes congressional hearing, as members of the House Armed Services Committee grilled him on a range of controversial military policies, including alleged plans to seize Greenland and Panama by force and the use of encrypted Signal chats to coordinate military actions.
The session turned heated quickly, especially when Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) asked if the Pentagon had contingency plans for forcibly taking control of Greenland or Panama. Hegseth’s response — “Our job at the Defense Department is to have plans for any contingency” — was met with immediate alarm, prompting Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) to intervene: “I sure as hell hope that is not your testimony.”
In an attempt to defuse the moment, Hegseth replied, “We look forward to working with Greenland to ensure that it is secured from any potential threats.” The vague language left lawmakers on both sides uneasy, particularly given President Trump’s long-expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, a mineral-rich island of strategic significance.
Signal Chat Scandal and Classified Concerns
Beyond territorial ambitions, Hegseth faced intense scrutiny for using two Signal chats to discuss U.S. plans to strike Houthi rebel positions in Yemen. These discussions included not just senior defense officials but members of his own family.
Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA), a former Marine, challenged Hegseth over whether he had shared classified information. Hegseth refused to directly answer, stating classification markings were confidential. But Moulton pointed out the contradiction — if it wasn’t classified, why couldn’t he say so?
“What’s not classified is that it was an incredible, successful mission,” Hegseth countered, evading the heart of the matter.
A Pentagon inspector general’s report on the incident is expected soon. When asked whether he would accept responsibility if the report concludes that he mishandled classified material, Hegseth merely said he serves “at the pleasure of the president.” He also declined to apologize to the mother of a pilot potentially endangered by the leaked strike details: “I don’t apologize for success.”
Politicization of the Military Raises Alarms
The hearing also delved into the growing politicization of the military, particularly after Trump’s recent speech at Fort Bragg, where uniformed troops were ordered to stand behind him as he criticized President Biden and endorsed Republican candidates.
According to reports, a MAGA merchandise stand was even set up near the venue, sparking concerns over violations of military neutrality rules. Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said service members must remain apolitical but claimed he was unaware of any wrongdoing.
This echoed broader worries voiced by Democratic lawmakers about the Trump administration’s use of the military as a political prop, further intensified by the involvement of the National Guard in immigration raids.
Gender Policy and the Future of Inclusion
Hegseth also drew fire for comments regarding women and transgender troops. Asked by Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) whether both men and women can equally operate weapon systems and perform combat roles, Hegseth replied: “It depends on the context,” noting women carry equipment “differently.”
The comments sparked outrage, especially as they came on the heels of new Pentagon directives forcing out transgender service members. Houlahan cited the achievements of three such individuals, prompting Hegseth to acknowledge their service only before realizing they were transgender.
Critics said this underscored a broader trend of exclusion. Republican members, however, defended Hegseth, opposing Pentagon funding for gender-affirming medical care and characterizing his moves as a return to military readiness.
Greenland and Panama: Political Fantasies or Strategic Moves?
Trump’s desire to control Greenland is not new. He floated the idea multiple times during his first term, drawing ridicule from world leaders. Greenland’s representative to the U.S., Jacob Isbosethsen, reiterated Thursday: “Greenland is not for sale.”
Yet, the committee’s inquiry suggests there’s real concern the Pentagon has quietly revived or expanded these ambitions under Trump’s renewed leadership. Lawmakers expressed disbelief that such options were even under consideration, especially without public or congressional approval.
“Speaking on behalf of the American people, I don’t think they voted for President Trump because they were hoping we would invade Greenland,” Rep. Smith said, summing up the bipartisan concern.
As Thursday’s hearing wrapped up, it was clear that Pete Hegseth’s leadership and judgment will remain under a microscope, with both military conduct and democratic norms hanging in the balance.
Pentagon Chief Pressed Pentagon Chief Pressed
You must Register or Login to post a comment.