PARIS, France: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used a speech marking the anniversary of the D-Day landings to urge European countries to take stronger action on immigration, warning that the continent faces what he described as an invasion of dangerous ideologies arriving across its shores.
Speaking at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer on June 6, Hegseth linked current migration challenges to the legacy of the Allied landings that helped liberate Western Europe during World War II.
"Sadly, today, different European beaches are stormed by different, dangerous ideologies. Beaches in Spain, Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria, boats and men arrive," Hegseth said.
"When will European capitals do something about that invasion, or is it too late? I pray not, and I believe not," he said.
Hegseth delivered the remarks during commemorations marking the 82nd anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy, when American, British, Canadian, and other Allied forces crossed the English Channel to begin the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation.
The comments reflect positions frequently expressed by President Donald Trump's administration, which has repeatedly criticized European governments over immigration policies, border security, and broader domestic issues.
Washington has argued that Europe has struggled to address illegal migration, strengthen defenses, and respond to what U.S. officials describe as growing political and cultural challenges.
Vice President JD Vance reiterated criticism of European immigration policies as recently as Friday, while other senior administration officials have urged European governments to take a tougher approach to border enforcement.
Last year, a U.S. National Security Strategy document warned that Europe faced "civilizational erasure" and needed to reverse course if it wanted to remain a dependable ally of the United States.
The document formed part of a broader shift in U.S. rhetoric toward Europe under the Trump administration, which has challenged long-standing assumptions about transatlantic relations and burden-sharing within the alliance.
Those comments, along with similar statements from senior U.S. officials, have prompted renewed discussions across European capitals about reducing dependence on American technology and defense systems and strengthening their own strategic capabilities.
Hegseth's remarks are likely to draw attention in Europe, where immigration remains one of the most politically sensitive issues and where governments continue to debate how to balance border security, labor needs, and humanitarian obligations.
