Pete Hegseth revealed the Pentagon has drafted plans to take Greenland and Panama “by force if necessary”.

The defence secretary let slip the existence of the contingency plans during a heated exchange with Democrat Representative Adam Smith.

During a congressional hearing on Thursday, Mr Smith asked Mr Hegseth if it is “the policy of the department of defence that we need to be prepared to take Greenland and Panama by force if necessary”.

“I don’t think the American people voted for President Trump because they were hoping we would invade Greenland,” the Democrat added.

In response Mr Hegseth said: “Our job at the defence department is to have plans for any particular contingency.

“Any contingency, we’ve got. We’ve got a building full of planners, and we’re prepared to give recommendations whenever needed.”