In one back-and-forth, Hegseth did provide an eyebrow-raising answer. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., asked whether the Pentagon has developed plans to take Greenland or Panama by force if necessary.

Greenland’s critical minerals reserves and Arctic access could come with U.S. strategic benefits. CFR President Mike Froman ...

The budget plans for fiscal 2026 were released as President Donald Trump is pursuing mass deportations across the country and expanding the role of the military in immigration and border security.