Secretary of War Pete Hegseth linked the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II to modern immigration challenges facing Europe in a speech Saturday marking the 82nd anniversary of D-Day.
“Sadly, today, different European beaches are stormed by different, dangerous ideologies,” Hegseth said during remarks at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. “Beaches in Spain, Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria — boats and men arrive.”
Recommended Stories
“When will European capitals do something about that invasion, or is it too late? I pray not, and I believe not,” he added.
Hegseth spoke during commemorations of the June 6, 1944, Allied landings in Normandy, when U.S., British, Canadian, and other Allied forces crossed the English Channel to begin the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation.
His remarks mirrored broader concerns expressed by President Donald Trump and other administration officials, who have argued that European governments have failed to adequately address illegal immigration and have become overly reliant on the United States for their defense.
Vice President JD Vance weighed in on the murder of Henry Nowak on Friday, who authorities say was killed by Vickrum Digwa, a 23-year-old British-born Sikh. Vance blamed mass migration for the death.
“His murder is as tragic as it is enraging,” Vance wrote. “He should still be alive today, and he would be if the last few generations of European elites had stood their ground against the politics of self-hatred and the mass invasion of migrants, many of whom despise the West and the people who love it.”
The Trump administration has repeatedly pressed European allies to increase defense spending and assume a larger role in maintaining the continent’s security. Administration officials have also raised the possibility of reducing the U.S. military commitment to Europe if allies do not contribute more.
STARMER TO MEET WITH FAMILY OF HENRY NOWAK AFTER BLAMING MUSK FOR UNREST
“Each nation pulled its weight. Each nation bled. America will lead, and we must, but capable allies must be right there with us, shoulder to shoulder in the breach when it matters,” Hegseth said.
A U.S. National Security Strategy document released last year warned that Europe risks “civilizational erasure” unless it reverses current demographic and political trends, arguing that the continent must course-correct to remain a strong and reliable American ally.
