Hegseth urges Europe to counter migrant ‘invasion’ in D-Day speech
US defense chief compares migrant landings to D-Day, calls for stronger European action.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used the solemn backdrop of the 82nd D-Day anniversary in Normandy to deliver a sharp critique of European migration policy, labeling the arrival of migrants across the Mediterranean an ‘invasion.’ Speaking at the American military cemetery in Colleville-sur-mer, Hegseth drew a direct parallel between the 1944 Allied landings and today's migrant boats arriving on beaches in Spain, Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria. ‘Sadly, today different European beaches are stormed by different dangerous ideologies,’ he said, questioning whether it was ‘too late’ for Europe to act.
Hegseth also used the occasion to renew longstanding US demands that European nations shoulder more of their own defense burden, a recurring theme from the Trump administration. Notably, Hegseth was set to skip the main international ceremony later in the afternoon, a symbolic snub that underscored tensions. His remarks, while commemorating the WWII heroes, reframed the anniversary as a call for Europe to defend its borders and invest more in collective security.
- Hegseth called migrant arrivals on southern European beaches an ‘invasion’ during D-Day speech.
- He criticized European capitals for not acting, asking ‘When will they do something about that invasion?’
- He skipped the main international D-Day ceremony, signaling ongoing friction over defense spending.
Why It Matters
The speech signals fresh US pressure on Europe to tighten borders and boost defense, straining transatlantic ties.