Hegseth urges Europe on D-Day to counter present-day 'invasion'

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed Europe’s migration challenges during a speech at the American military cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, on the 82nd anniversary of D-Day. He framed migration as an 'invasion,' citing boats arriving in Spain, Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria, and questioned whether European capitals would act. Hegseth referenced the Trump administration’s claims that mass migration threatens European civilization, while also praising the Allied unity during World War II, where nations contributed militarily and economically. Hegseth called for Europe to strengthen its defense, warning that 'peace is secured only through strength.' He emphasized shared military capabilities and political will between the US and Europe, without explicitly mentioning the US-Israeli conflict. His remarks contrasted with the main D-Day ceremony, where French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu honored the 3,000 young soldiers who died on June 6, 1944, and stressed Europe’s need to build defense autonomy. The 1944 Normandy landings involved 6,939 ships and 132,700 Allied troops from Britain, Canada, the US, Belgium, Norway, and Poland. Hegseth’s speech highlighted the historical alliance’s sacrifices, contrasting it with what he described as Europe’s current reliance on 'empty slogans' rather than action. Meanwhile, Lecornu’s ceremony underscored the urgency of modern threats, calling for Europe to meet 'the challenge of our generation.' Hegseth’s absence from the main ceremony drew attention to his focus on migration and defense, aligning with Trump-era rhetoric. His call for Europe to 'do more' echoed broader US criticism of NATO allies’ defense spending and commitment. The speech framed migration as a security issue, while Lecornu’s remarks focused on historical resilience and the need for self-reliance in an evolving geopolitical landscape.