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Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth faced intense scrutiny at a combative House Armed Services Committee hearing on Thursday, after appearing to confirm that the Pentagon has contingency plans to invade Greenland and Panama if necessary. He also refused to provide direct answers about his use of encrypted Signal chats to discuss military operations — a move that triggered bipartisan concern over potential breaches of protocol.“Our job at the Defense Department is to have plans for any contingency,” Hegseth said in response to Rep. Adam Smith’s (D-Wash.) pointed question about whether the Pentagon had invasion plans for Greenland or Panama.While it’s standard for the Pentagon to prepare contingency strategies, Hegseth’s vague responses prompted a sharp rebuke from Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio): “I sure as hell hope that is not your testimony.”Hegseth attempted to defuse the moment by saying, “We look forward to working with Greenland to ensure that it is secured from any potential threats.”The session grew heated as Hegseth evaded repeated questions about his alleged disclosure of operational details — including strike times and munitions — during U.S. attacks on Houthi rebels in Yemen, shared via Signal with both military officials and family members. Lawmakers pressed him on whether he had revealed classified material, but he avoided directly answering.“What’s not classified is that it was an incredible, successful mission,” Hegseth said, sparking more backlash.Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), a Marine veteran, challenged Hegseth on his accountability: “Would you hold yourself accountable if the Inspector General finds that you leaked classified information?” Hegseth only replied that he serves “at the pleasure of the president.”In one of the most charged moments of the hearing, Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) told Hegseth, “You’re an embarrassment to this country. You’re unfit to lead. You should just get the hell out.”Republican lawmakers defended Hegseth, criticising what they called “flagrant disrespect,” while Hegseth responded, “I’m happy to take the arrows” in pursuit of what he called difficult decisions.Lawmakers also questioned the politicisation of the military following a recent campaign-style speech by former President Donald Trump at Fort Bragg, where uniformed troops were seen cheering and booing political opponents, with MAGA merchandise sold nearby. Gen. Dan Caine, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the committee he was unaware of any violations, reaffirming that service members must remain apolitical.Hegseth was further grilled on his stance regarding women and transgender troops. He defended cutting diversity programs and asserted he wants the “most capable troops,” but avoided clear answers on gender equality in combat roles. “It depends on the context,” he said, arguing that women “carry a rucksack differently.”
