US Defense Secretary Hegseth Attacks Europe Over Migration with D-Day 'Invasion' Speech
The US Defense Secretary delivered a controversial D-Day speech in Normandy, attacking Europe over migration and using the term "invasion," drawing strong reactions.
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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: reports Hegseth attacking Europe over migration with beach 'invasion' D-Day speech
- AP: notes Hegseth invoking immigration and 'invasion' in D-Day speech in France
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