US Defense Secretary criticizes Europe's 'invasion' of migrants in D-Day speech

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has sharply criticized European nations over their handling of migration, describing the arrivals on their shores as an "invasion" during a D-Day anniversary speech in France.

Speaking in Normandy, 82 years after Allied forces landed to liberate Nazi-occupied Europe, Hegseth drew a stark parallel. "Sadly, today, different European beaches are stormed by different dangerous ideologies," he stated. He specifically mentioned Spain, Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria, questioning when European capitals would address this "invasion."

Hegseth's comments align with a broader stance from senior members of the Trump administration, who have frequently criticized European migration policies. Earlier, U.S. Vice President JD Vance attributed the death of a British student to the "mass invasion of migrants," advocating for "righteous anger" as the sole response.

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Sadly, today, different European beaches are stormed by different dangerous ideologies. Beaches in Spain, in Italy, in Greece and Bulgaria. Boats and men arrive. When will European capitals do something about that invasion?

The Defense Secretary also suggested that some European capitals have become complacent with their hard-won freedoms, forgetting that "freedom is not free." He emphasized that the sacrifices of those who fought on D-Day must be upheld by the current generation. Former President Donald Trump has also previously criticized European immigration, warning the UN that countries were "going to hell" due to "uncontrolled migration."

Migration remains a significant political issue across Europe, with parties advocating for stricter immigration policies seeing increased support. Official figures show substantial sea arrivals to mainland Europe and the UK in recent years, though crossings to the UK specifically have seen a decrease in the early months of 2026 compared to the previous year. The Trump administration's National Security Strategy has also flagged concerns about Europe's future, warning of potential "civilizational erasure" if current trends continue.

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The men who fought and died here restored freedom to Europe. That freedom must be maintained by this generation of leaders and war fighters or what they fought for was merely temporary.