US Defense Secretary Hegseth attacks Europe over migration with D-Day 'invasion' speech in Normandy
US Defense Secretary Hegseth delivered a controversial D-Day speech in Normandy, criticizing Europe's migration policies and using the term 'invasion'.
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During a D-Day anniversary commemoration in Normandy on June 6, 2026, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a contentious speech criticizing Europe's migration policies. Speaking at the Normandy American Cemetery, Hegseth drew a parallel between the historic D-Day landings and contemporary arrivals on European beaches, which he described as being "stormed by different dangerous ideologies."
Hegseth explicitly referred to "beaches in Spain and Italy and Greece and Bulgaria" where "boats and men arrive," questioning when European nations would address what he termed an "invasion." Although he avoided the specific word "immigration," his remarks strongly echoed the Trump administration's broader stance on European migration, borders, and alleged censorship of nationalist voices.
What each outlet emphasizes
- BBC: Hegseth attacks Europe over migration with beach 'invasion' D-Day speech
- AP: Hegseth invokes immigration and ‘invasion’ in D-Day speech in France
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