WASHINGTON

Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth evaded a question on Tuesday regarding US President-elect Donald Trump’s proposal to incorporate Greenland into the US.

Pete Hegseth, Trump's pick, appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee for his confirmation hearing.

Senator Mazie Hirono asked Hegseth whether he would deploy the US military to seize Greenland or the Panama Canal if he became the next secretary of defense.

"Would you carry on an order from President Trump to seize Greenland, a territory of our NATO ally, Denmark, by force? Or would you take over the Panama Canal?" Hirono asked.

“Senator, I will emphasize that President Trump received 77 million votes to be the lawful commander,” Hegseth said, before Hirono cut him off.

"We're not talking about the election. My question is, would you use our military to take over Greenland or an ally of Denmark?" Hirono reiterated.

"Senator, one of the things Mr. Trump is so good at is never strategically tipping his hand. I would never in this public forum give — one way or another — direct [confirmation of] what orders the president would give to me in any context," Hegseth said.

“That sounds to me that you would contemplate such an order to basically invade Greenland — and take over the Panama Canal," the senator said.

House Republicans on Monday introduced a bill that would allow Trump to enter into potential negotiations with Denmark to acquire Greenland.

Called "Make Greenland Great Again Act," the bill was introduced by Republican Representative Andy Ogles.

"Congress hereby authorizes the President, beginning at 12:01 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 20, 2025, to seek to enter into negotiations with the Kingdom of Denmark to secure the acquisition of Greenland by the United States," the draft bill read.

"Not later than 5 calendar days after reaching an agreement with the Kingdom of Denmark relating to the acquisition of Greenland by the United States, the President shall transmit to the appropriate congressional committees the agreement, including all related materials and annexes," it added.

Last week, Trump declined to rule out the use of military force to take control of the Panama Canal and Greenland.

Greenland, the world’s largest island, has been an autonomous territory of Denmark since 1979. Located between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, it is home to a US military base and holds strategic importance, as it offers the shortest route from North America to Europe.