During a ceremony marking the anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegset warned Europe about the rise of “dangerous ideologies” and urged the continent to take action against mass immigration.
The remarks were made at the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, located in northwestern France. Hegset highlighted concerns over the influx of ideologies affecting various European beaches, specifically mentioning Spain, Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria.
“Unfortunately, today other European beaches are being overtaken by various dangerous ideologies — beaches in Spain, Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria. Boats and people are arriving,” he stated.
The event commemorated the 82nd anniversary of the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, when US and Allied forces crossed the English Channel to begin liberating Western Europe from Nazi occupation.
“When will European capitals do something about this invasion? Is it already too late? I pray it is not, and I believe it is not,” Hegset added.
He also called on European governments to enhance their defense capabilities, emphasizing that every Allied nation contributed during the invasion. Hegset remarked,
“America will lead. We must. But capable allies must stand with us, side by side, when it matters.”
According to Hegset, the United States remains committed to supporting its allies and expects them to be prepared to act collaboratively.
His comments resonate with earlier statements from other US officials, including former President Donald Trump, who criticized European nations for their inability to manage immigration effectively. In December, Washington’s National Security Strategy warned that Europe faces potential “civilizational erasure” due to migration, the weakening of national identity, and government policies that allegedly undermine sovereignty.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegset cautioned European nations about the threat of dangerous ideologies during a D-Day anniversary event. He urged stronger action against mass immigration and called for enhanced defense collaboration among allies.