Hegseth urges Europe to combat a 'migrant invasion'

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth implored Europe on Saturday to confront what he described as an "invasion" of migrants reaching its shores and to invest more in its own defense. His comments came just hours after he withdrew from participating in the international ceremony commemorating the Normandy landings.

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Sadly, today, different European beaches are being assaulted by different dangerous ideologies.

Speaking at the American military cemetery in Colleville-sur-mer, northern France, the Pentagon chief stated, "Sadly, today, different European beaches are being assaulted by different dangerous ideologies." He specifically mentioned that "boats and men are arriving" on the coasts of Spain, Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria. Hegseth posed a rhetorical question: "When will European capitals do something about this invasion? Or is it already too late?"

These remarks align with the political stance of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has frequently voiced concerns that mass migration poses a danger to European civilization. The article notes that U.S. Vice President JD Vance had previously criticized the handling of a murder case in the UK, attributing it to a decline in civilization caused by migrant "invasions."

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When will European capitals do something about this invasion? Or is it already too late?

Referencing the historical context of the D-Day landings, Hegseth stated, "Those buried here fought in a warrior alliance where each partner... contributed their utmost measure of industry, courage, and sacrifice." He ironically commented, "No empty slogans, no luxurious summits, no communiqués," highlighting his decision to focus on the American ceremony rather than the international one. Hegseth asserted that the United States would "lead" going forward, but stressed that allies "must be there with us, shoulder to shoulder." He also declared that "peace is guaranteed only by strength," without directly referencing ongoing conflicts involving the U.S.

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Those buried here fought in a warrior alliance where each partner... contributed their utmost measure of industry, courage, and sacrifice.

During the international ceremony, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu honored the young soldiers who died on D-Day. In a statement that appeared to address U.S. calls for European self-defense, Lecornu described facing "the challenge of our generation": achieving "our autonomy, our ability to defend ourselves" against escalating threats. The German defense attaché in France, Markus Reinhardt, also spoke at the international ceremony.

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America must lead the way, and we will, but our allies must be there with us, shoulder to shoulder.