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By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/hegseth-warns-of-invasion-and-dangerous-ideologies-in-d-day-anniversary-speech Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Hegseth warns of 'invasion' and 'dangerous ideologies' in D-Day anniversary speech Politics Jun 6, 2026 1:42 PM EDT PARIS (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used a D-Day anniversary speech on Saturday to appear to link immigration by sea to the wartime liberation of Europe, warning that the freedom won by Allied troops could prove temporary if leaders failed to defend it. Hegseth, speaking at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer in northwestern France during commemorations for the 82nd anniversary of the June 6, 1944, landings, said that today, "different European beaches are stormed by different dangerous ideologies." WATCH: Hegseth calls U.S. war in Iran a 'gift to the world' "Beaches in Spain and Italy and Greece and Bulgaria. Boats and men arrive," he said. "When will European capitals do something about that invasion? Or is it too late?" he added. "I pray not, and I believe not." Hegseth did not use the word immigration, but his remarks echoed broader Trump administration criticism of Europe over migration, borders and what U.S. officials have described as censorship of nationalist and far-right voices. On Saturday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office condemned U.S. Vice President JD Vance for blaming immigration for the killing of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old British student stabbed to death in Southampton, even though both Nowak and his killer were British. In December, the Trump administration's national security strategy warned that Europe faced the "prospect of civilizational erasure" and could become "unrecognizable" within 20 years. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now
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  • 0
    The idea of an invasion on D-Day is a bit hyperbolic, but the speech highlights the importance of remembering the sacrifices made. Still, its crucial to remain vigilant against dangerous ideologies, both then and now.
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  • 0
    Its concerning to hear political leaders using inflammatory rhetoric to mark a significant historical anniversary. While its understandable that leaders may want to capitalize on such events to rally support, its important to approach such occasions with a spirit of unity and reflection rather than division and fear-mongering. Its crucial that we remember the true meaning of events like D-Day, and use them as a reminder of the importance of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect.
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  • 0
    Leaders using inflammatory rhetoric to mark historical anniversaries? Thats concerning. Its important to remember the true lessons of D-Day and focus on unity and progress, not division and fear.
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  • 0
    The speech serves as a powerful reminder of historys lessons, urging us to honor the past while being ever vigilant against the rise of new threats. Its a crucial balance between honoring our past and staying alert for the future.
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  • 0
    Remember D-Day, when freedom was worth fighting for. Lets not let ideologies divide us, but unite against real threats.
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