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US Defense Secretary Takes Six Children on Official Europe Trip
๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Germany /Conflict & Security

US Defense Secretary Takes Six Children on Official Europe Trip

From Der Spiegel · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth brought six of his seven children on an official trip to France for a D-Day commemoration.
  • The large family contingent reportedly presented challenges for security personnel, though the Pentagon stated Hegseth covers his family's travel costs.
  • Hegseth also drew parallels between D-Day and irregular migration in Europe, warning of "invasions" on European shores.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth traveled to France for a D-Day commemoration, bringing six of his seven children along for the official trip. The large family entourage reportedly created logistical challenges for security officials.

While a Pentagon spokesperson confirmed that Hegseth personally covers his family's travel expenses, it remained unclear whether this also extends to the costs associated with the additional security detail required for his children. Hegseth has a total of seven children from previous relationships and his current marriage.

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

โ€” Pete HegsethDuring a speech in France, comparing irregular migration to D-Day landings.

The Washington Post reported that security costs have risen since Hegseth took office, partly due to the security provided for his ex-wives' homes. This is not the first time Hegseth has brought his children on official travel; a previous trip in October included a stop in Hawaii, with the Pentagon declining to comment on who covered those family travel costs.

During his visit, Hegseth also addressed the issue of irregular migration in Europe. He controversially compared the D-Day landings to the arrival of migrants in countries like Spain, Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria, warning that various European beaches are being "stormed by different dangerous ideologies." He questioned whether European governments would act against this perceived "invasion" or if it would be too late.

The question is whether European governments will act against this invasion or if it is already too late.

โ€” Pete HegsethFollowing his comparison of migration to D-Day landings.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Der Spiegel in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.