Summary
Pete Hegseth, Trump’s newly appointed Secretary of Defense, suggested military action could be on the table for securing U.S. control over the Panama Canal and Greenland.
In a Fox News interview, he warned that the U.S. would ensure “freedom of navigation” in Panama, while vaguely addressing Trump’s strategic interest in Greenland.
His confirmation hearing earlier this month raised concerns when he refused to rule out military action.
Critics worry his stance signals Trump’s willingness to provoke conflicts with allies over geopolitical ambitions.
In point of fact, one of the core elements of Taiwan’s strategic defense plans is “we will melt our chip foundries to slag with a shitload of thermite and explosives if the CCP invades and it looks like they’ll win”. It’s frankly a great tactic to get other developed nations to give a shit about your sovereignty: underwrite large portions of everyone’s economy.