Democratic Senator from Hawaii, Mazie Hirono, questioned former Fox News host Pete Hegseth about his views on using military force to take over Greenland and the Panama Canal, suggesting that his refusal to provide a direct answer indicated he might consider such actions.
Why It Matters
President-elect Donald Trump previously suggested that the U.S. should purchase Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark for over 600 years. This idea aligns with his "America First" policy, which emphasizes securing critical resources and enhancing U.S. economic power, especially over key locations like the Panama Canal.
Greenland's proximity to the Arctic has sparked international competition for its rich natural resources, including gold, silver, copper, and uranium. The U.S. has periodically considered acquiring Greenland, with Trump first proposing the idea in 2019. He reaffirmed his intentions during a recent press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort.
Hirono pressed Hegseth, Trump's nominee for Defense Secretary, on whether the U.S. might use military force to seize Greenland and the Panama Canal. Hegseth responded vaguely, citing Trump's strategic approach of never revealing his plans. Hirono retorted, suggesting that Hegseth was open to such a military order.
Trump indicated at a recent press event that using military force to secure both Greenland and the Panama Canal remains a possibility. Rep. Dusty Johnson from South Dakota introduced legislation proposing the U.S. repurchase the Panama Canal.
In a separate trip, Donald Trump Jr. visited Greenland with Charlie Kirk and Sergio Gor, though they had no meetings scheduled with Greenlandic officials. The day before their trip, Trump shared a video on Truth Social featuring a convicted drug dealer in Greenland who urged Trump to "buy Greenland."
Three weeks ago, Trump again emphasized the importance of Greenland, stating that its ownership and control are vital for U.S. security.
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Bourup Egede, responded firmly, asserting that Greenland is not for sale and will never be. In 2019, Trump had hinted at the idea of purchasing Greenland but downplayed its immediacy, stressing the U.S.'s strong alliance with Denmark.
Trump's Other Global Plans
In a recent press conference, Trump proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America," citing the U.S.'s dominant role in the region. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is reportedly drafting legislation to support this change.
Trump has also suggested that Canada might become the 51st U.S. state after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticized Trump’s proposed tariffs.
What People Are Saying
Danish Parliament member Rasmus Jarlov responded to Trump’s comments, emphasizing Denmark’s long-standing relationship with Greenland and rejecting any notion of relinquishing control. He stressed that Greenland's people do not want to be sold and that Denmark has been in Greenland since 1380.
At his Mar-a-Lago press conference, Trump discussed military intervention, saying, “I can’t assure you on either of those two. But I can say this, we need them for economic security.”
The Nelk Boys podcast, which Trump appeared on, echoed his slogan with a playful twist: “Make Greenland Great Again!”
What's Next
According to NBC, a second round of questions for Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Defense Secretary, is unlikely unless a majority vote overrides the bipartisan agreement.
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