U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth Addresses Immigration in D-Day Speech

PARIS (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a speech on Saturday during the D-Day anniversary at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. He suggested a connection between contemporary immigration by sea and the historical context of the wartime liberation of Europe, cautioning that the freedoms established by Allied troops might be at risk if not adequately defended. Hegseth remarked that various European beaches are currently facing challenges from 'different dangerous ideologies.' He specifically mentioned Spain, Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria, stating, 'When will European capitals do something about that invasion? Or is it too late?' Hegseth's comments reflect a broader critique from the Trump administration regarding European immigration policies and the perceived suppression of nationalist viewpoints. Additionally, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office criticized U.S. Vice President JD Vance for attributing the murder of British student Henry Nowak to immigration, despite both the victim and the perpetrator being British. In December, the Trump administration's national security strategy warned of a potential 'civilizational erasure' in Europe over the next two decades.