Local time on June 12, U.S. Defense Secretary Hekesisi threw a "diplomatic bomb" at the congressional hearing.

When asked whether military plans to seize Greenland and Panama were in place, Hekesisi vaguely responded that "the Department of Defense needs to be prepared for any contingency." Outside observers believe that Hekesisi indirectly acknowledged the Pentagon's "military invasion contingency plan."

Even more intense exchanges are yet to come. From the leaks scandal to the controversy over sending troops to Los Angeles, from budget black holes to the politicization of the military, the repeated challenges from the congressmen turned this hearing into a "Hekesisi accountability conference."

A Democratic congressman even cursed Hekesisi as a "national disgrace" and demanded he "leave the Pentagon."

Indirectly Acknowledging Plans for Military Seizure

Hekesisi has been attending three consecutive days of congressional hearings since June 10, marking his "inaugural show" in Congress.

However, due to Hekesisi's entanglement in scandals such as the "group chat leak," these hearings have been highly charged, with sharp questioning from the congressmen making the hearing venue smoke-filled.

On the 12th hearing, Washington State Democratic Congressman Adam Smith directly asked whether the U.S. planned a military invasion of Greenland or Panama. Hekesisi repeated three times that "the Department of Defense is responsible for responding to all contingencies," but consistently refused to directly deny it.

Smith then sarcastically remarked, "I don't believe the American people voted for Trump to invade Greenland."

Although some Republican congressmen urgently intervened to clarify that "it was not really about an invasion," Hekesisi's subsequent remarks about "ensuring the security of Greenland" only made matters worse.

This statement also caused a huge uproar at the hearing. After all, Trump had openly stated during his first term that he wanted to "buy" Greenland, and this year he further intensified his stance by not ruling out the option of using force to seize the island. Meanwhile, the Panama Canal also became a target of Trump, who repeatedly threatened to reclaim this "important national asset of the United States," even using China as an excuse.

As the world's largest island, Greenland not only boasts rich mineral resources but also holds significant strategic value in terms of security and trade. The Thule Air Base on the island is considered a "bridgehead" for the U.S. to maintain Arctic interests.

However, Jacob Isbosethsen, the representative of Greenland's autonomous government in the U.S., once again rejected Trump's "annexation ambition" on the 12th. He reiterated: "Greenland is not for sale."

The Hearing Turns into an Accountability Session

Since taking office, Hekesisi's tenure as defense secretary has been a continuous series of scandals, leading to accusations that the Pentagon is in chaos.

This new Pentagon chief first became embroiled in the "leak scandal" - exposed for leaking military secrets through encrypted chat software, and later was reported to have discussed operational details in family group chats. Additionally, Hekesisi's brother, who also works at the Pentagon, was involved in a "nepotism" scandal.

In this context, the hearing degenerated into an "accountability conference" targeting Hekesisi.

On the 12th, Democratic congressman Morton directly challenged him: "If the Attorney General determines that you leaked confidential information through Signal, will you take responsibility?" Hekesisi neither admitted nor denied, merely mechanically repeating that he was acting according to the president's will.

In addition, Hekesisi refused to explain the specifics of Trump's $1 trillion defense budget application, the vague plan to reform the national defense industrial base, and how the Trump administration intended to pay for the deployment of troops to Los Angeles.

This also infuriated the participants. "What we need is a plan!" Democratic congressman Delaro shouted, slamming the table. "But you have nothing prepared!"

At present, Los Angeles is witnessing a large-scale riot due to illegal immigration issues, with thousands of National Guard members and Marine Corps soldiers deployed to suppress the immigrant protests.

According to insiders, this mobilization is expected to cost the U.S. government $134 million, covering travel, accommodation, and catering expenses.

When questioned where the funds would come from, Hekesisi evaded the question by saying that "a 60-day troop deployment is necessary."

In addition, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Kane was also asked about the issue of "soldiers participating in political activities."

In a speech at Fort Bragg, soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division booed and cheered when Trump criticized Biden, and there were MAGA booths selling related souvenirs to the soldiers. It is known that the Department of Defense stipulates that soldiers are prohibited from participating in political activities while in uniform.

This once again raises doubts outside whether loyalty to Trump has become a necessary condition for serving in the military.

To this, Kane said he knew nothing about it and emphasized that soldiers should stay away from politics.

The hearing on the 12th reached its climax amid the angry shout of California Democratic Representative Sarud Cabahal. After a fierce argument with Hekesisi, Cabahal condemned him as a "national disgrace" and said, "There are lawmakers from both parties calling for your resignation. You should leave and let someone capable lead this department."

(Editor's email: ylq@jfdaily.com)

Original title: "Pentagon Plotting Military Seizure of Islands? Hekesisi Asked to Leave Pentagon, Hearing Turns into Accountability Session"

Column editor: Yang Liqun; Text editor: Yang Liqun; Main image source: Xinhua News Agency

Source: Author: Liberation Daily, Xu Xiaoyu

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7515377270760964623/

Disclaimer: This article only represents the author's personal views. Please express your attitude by clicking the "upvote/downvote" button below.