U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used a speech marking the anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy to warn that Europe faces what he described as an influx of dangerous ideologies arriving by sea.
Speaking at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer during commemorations for the 82nd anniversary of the June 6, 1944, Allied landings, Hegseth drew parallels between the wartime struggle for freedom and contemporary challenges facing Europe.
He said the freedoms secured by Allied forces could prove temporary if political leaders failed to defend them.
The remarks came as senior officials in President Donald Trump’s administration have continued to criticize European policies on migration, border security and free speech.
Hegseth told attendees that parts of the West had grown comfortable in the decades since World War II and had forgotten the costs associated with preserving freedom.
He said that “different European beaches are stormed by different dangerous ideologies.”
Referring to Spain, Italy, Greece and Bulgaria, he said that “boats and men” were arriving on European shores.
He then questioned when European capitals would act against what he characterized as an invasion, while expressing hope that it was not too late to respond.
The defense secretary was speaking during ceremonies honoring the Allied invasion of Normandy, a military operation that helped begin the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation.
Hegseth’s comments reflected broader positions advanced by the Trump administration regarding immigration and national sovereignty.
U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance, have repeatedly argued that European governments have failed to adequately control migration.
A U.S. national security strategy document issued by the administration warned that Europe could face long-term cultural and political consequences if current migration trends continue.
The debate has also intensified in Europe, where the European Union’s main institutions recently reached an agreement aimed at increasing deportations and establishing detention centers outside EU territory.
The proposal has faced criticism from humanitarian groups.
Marta Welander of the International Rescue Committee said the measures could expand detention powers and increase risks for people being deported.
The exchange highlights continuing divisions over migration policy as transatlantic discussions on security, sovereignty and Europe’s future remain in focus.