Fact Check: "U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged that the Pentagon had contingency plans to take Greenland if necessary during a congressional hearing in 2019."
What We Know
During a congressional hearing on June 12, 2025, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was questioned about the Pentagon's contingency plans regarding Greenland and Panama. Hegseth stated, "Our job at the Defense Department is to have plans for any contingency," which implies that such plans exist, although he did not explicitly confirm plans for an invasion of Greenland (AP News, BBC). The context of the hearing was contentious, with Hegseth facing repeated questioning from members of the House Armed Services Committee, particularly from Democrats who were frustrated by his evasive responses (AP News).
The discussion around Greenland has historical roots, as former President Donald Trump expressed interest in purchasing the territory, which led to diplomatic tensions with Denmark, Greenland's sovereign state (AP News). Hegseth's comments were made in the context of a broader discussion about military readiness and the necessity of having plans for various scenarios, a standard practice within the Pentagon.
Analysis
The claim that Hegseth acknowledged the existence of contingency plans to invade Greenland is partially true. While he did suggest that the Pentagon has plans for any contingency, he did not directly confirm that there were specific plans to invade Greenland. His statement can be interpreted as a general acknowledgment of military preparedness rather than a specific admission of intent to invade (CBS News, PBS).
The reliability of the sources reporting on this event is generally high. The Associated Press and BBC are reputable news organizations known for their journalistic standards. However, the framing of Hegseth's comments has varied across different outlets. For instance, while the AP and CBS emphasized the combative nature of the questioning and Hegseth's avoidance of direct answers, other sources like Newsweek highlighted his refusal to deny the existence of such plans, which could lead to different interpretations of his statements (Newsweek).
Moreover, the context of Hegseth's remarks is crucial. The Pentagon routinely develops contingency plans for various scenarios, including those that might seem unlikely or politically sensitive. This practice does not necessarily indicate an active intention to execute such plans but rather reflects a standard military protocol (AP News, PBS).
Conclusion
The verdict on the claim is Partially True. While Hegseth did imply that the Pentagon has contingency plans for Greenland, he did not explicitly confirm plans for an invasion. His comments were made in a broader context of military preparedness, and the interpretation of his statements can vary based on the framing by different news outlets. Thus, while there is some truth to the claim, it lacks the specificity that would classify it as wholly accurate.
Sources
- Hegseth says Pentagon has contingency plans to invade Greenland | AP News Link
- Hegseth suggests US has 'contingency' plans to take Greenland - BBC Link
- Hegseth testifies Pentagon has "plans for any contingency" when asked ... CBS News
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- Pentagon has contingency plans to invade Greenland if necessary ... PBS
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- Pete Hegseth Won't Deny Pentagon Has Plans for Greenland, Panama ... Newsweek
