US Defense Secretary Hegseth urges Europe to counter 'present-day invasion' in D-Day speech
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used the 82nd anniversary D-Day ceremony in Normandy to urge European countries to counter what he called a 'present-day invasion' of migrants. The speech drew sharp pushback from European capitals, particularly Paris.
France 24's Normandy correspondent reported that Pete Hegseth's reference to a 'present-day invasion' was the headline takeaway of the 82nd anniversary D-Day speech. Hegseth said solidarity inside the Atlantic alliance could no longer be limited to defence-spending increases and called on member states to tighten migration controls.
French presidential officials criticised the remarks as 'inconsistent with the historical spirit of the D-Day ceremony', while the German chancellery noted that migration policy is dealt with through EU law. The European Commission spokesperson declined to call the comments 'close to interference' but described them as 'unexpected'.
The speech reheated debate over the EU migration package ahead of Brussels' September review. The Polish and Italian governments voiced support for Hegseth's position, while public reaction in France and Spain was sharp. The next diplomatic steps will be closely watched.
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