Pete Hegseth evokes an 'invasion' of immigrants in Europe during D-Day commemorations

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth drew a stark parallel between the D-Day landings and the current migration situation in Europe, describing the influx of migrants as an "invasion." Speaking at the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer on the anniversary of the 1944 Normandy landings, Hegseth urged European countries to bolster their defenses and confront what he termed "dangerous ideologies" present on their shores.

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Unfortunately, today, different European beaches are being stormed by various dangerous ideologies: on the beaches of Spain, Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria, boats and men are landing.

"Unfortunately, today, different European beaches are being stormed by various dangerous ideologies: on the beaches of Spain, Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria, boats and men are landing," Hegseth stated. He questioned whether European capitals would act against this perceived "invasion" or if it was already too late. His comments echoed sentiments often expressed by the Trump administration regarding mass migration posing a threat to European civilization.

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Will European capitals act against this invasion or is it already too late?

Hegseth's address, delivered at Omaha Beach, emphasized the importance of alliances and shared sacrifice, referencing the 9,387 white crosses marking the graves of American soldiers. He noted that the men buried there fought in a warrior alliance where each partner contributed significantly. "America must lead the way, and we will, but our allies must be with us, shoulder to shoulder," he declared, having previously withdrawn from an international ceremony to attend the American commemoration.

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

The Secretary of Defense also asserted that "peace is guaranteed only by strength." His remarks, made in the presence of French counterpart Catherine Vautrin, notably omitted explicit mentions of ongoing conflicts in Iran or Ukraine. Meanwhile, at the international ceremony, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu paid tribute to the young soldiers of D-Day and called for European "autonomy" and the capacity to defend themselves against escalating threats, seemingly in response to U.S. calls for greater European self-reliance.

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Peace is guaranteed only by strength.