Hegseth at Normandy: Compares Migration to WWII Invasion on D-Day Anniversary

COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a speech on June 6, 2026, at the Normandy American Cemetery, marking the 82nd anniversary of the D-Day landings. During his remarks, Hegseth compared current migration patterns into Europe to the World War II invasion and criticized European nations for their immigration policies.

Key Statements

"Different European beaches are stormed by different, dangerous ideologies," Hegseth stated.

He referenced arrivals by boat on beaches in Spain, Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria, describing the situation as an "invasion." He questioned, "When will European capitals do something about that invasion? Or is it too late?"

Hegseth did not explicitly use the word "immigration" in his remarks. He also stated that the Allied efforts in World War II "saved Western civilization" and warned that freedom "must be maintained by this generation of leaders and war fighters."

Context and Related Incidents

Hegseth's remarks align with broader criticism of European migration policies from other U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump.

Separately, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office condemned Vice President Vance for attributing the killing of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old British student, to immigration. Vance posted on social media linking the murder to a "mass invasion of migrants." The victim and his killer, Vickrum Digwa, were both British citizens. Digwa was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum 21-year term. Starmer's office accused Vance of trying to "interfere in our democracy and stir up division."

Reactions

Historian Simon Schama described the remarks as a "special kind of loathsomeness." Israeli human rights lawyer Daniel Seidemann called the speech "an obscene desecration of the memories of those who stormed the beaches of Normandy." Economist Anders Åslund contrasted the comments with Hegseth's later affirmation of alliance solidarity, calling it "so much nonsense."

Prior to Hegseth's visit, a local residents' association, Langrune en Commun, called for the trip to be cancelled, stating that Hegseth "promotes values that go against democracy, human rights and peace."

Background

The Trump administration's December 2025 national security strategy stated that Europe faced the "prospect of civilizational erasure" and could become "unrecognizable" within 20 years. Hegseth's comments reflect the administration's ongoing push for European leaders to tighten immigration controls.