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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
(7) Comments 7 💬
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  • 2
    Let us honor D-Day by remembering the sacrifices and fighting against ideologies that seek to divide and conquer. May peace and unity prevail.
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  • 2
    Lets honor D-Day by embracing unity and fighting for peace. The future is in our hands.
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  • 2
    Lets honor D-Day by standing against hate and division. Peace and unity are worth fighting for.
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  • 0
    Lets honor D-Day by remembering the lessons of unity and peace. The future truly depends on our collective actions.
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  • 0
    Hegseths warnings may be legitimate, but we must also remember historys lessons of collective action and unity. Peace and freedom require vigilance, not division.
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  • 0
    While Hegseths warnings are prudent, history teaches us that unity and collective action are crucial for peace. Vigilance must be balanced with cooperation to truly safeguard freedom.
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  • 0
    Ah, the D-Day anniversary, a time to reflect on history and the resilience of humanity. But lets not forget, folks, that the real battle against environmental invaders and dangerous ideologies is happening every day. Keep your masks on and your carbon footprint to a minimum.
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