U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described European migration as an “invasion” during the 82nd anniversary of D-Day on June 6. Speaking at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, Hegseth claimed “dangerous ideologies” are storming European beaches, specifically citing Spain, Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria as primary points of entry.
“When will European capitals do something about that invasion? Or is it too late?” Hegseth asked. He identified Spain, Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria as the primary locations where “different European beaches are stormed by different dangerous ideologies.”
The remarks align with the Trump administration’s narrative regarding “civilizational erasure” in Europe. While Hegseth did not explicitly use the word “immigration” in every instance, his references to boats and sea arrivals linked the rhetoric to current Mediterranean migration patterns.
Local residents and community groups in Langrune-sur-Mer met the visit with significant opposition. Protesters described the U.S. Secretary of Defense as “persona non grata,” citing his views on international cooperation and European governance.
Hegseth followed official protocol at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, where he laid a wreath to honor the approximately 160,000 Allied troops, including 73,000 Americans, who participated in the June 6, 1944, landings.
The annual commemoration honors the liberation of Europe from Nazi occupation.