US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth used the solemn occasion of the 82nd D-Day anniversary to claim that Europe is being overrun by 'different, dangerous ideologies.' Speaking at the Normandy American Cemetery in France, Hegseth drew parallels between the Allied landings in World War II and what he described as an ongoing 'invasion' of Europe.
Hegseth's Remarks
'Sadly, today, different European beaches are stormed by different dangerous ideologies,' Hegseth said. 'On beaches in Spain, Italy, Greece and Bulgaria, boats and men arrive. When will European capitals do something about that invasion? Is it too late? I pray not.' Although he did not explicitly mention immigration, his comments align with broader criticisms from the Trump administration regarding Europe's migration policies and alleged censorship of nationalist voices.
Context of the Speech
Hegseth's remarks come amid heightened tensions between the US and Europe over migration. In December, a US national security strategy warned that Europe faced the 'prospect of civilisational erasure.' The speech also follows a controversy involving US Vice President JD Vance, who blamed the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak in Southampton on immigration. The Trump administration echoed claims by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage of a 'two-tiered policing' system in the UK.
Downing Street Response
A Downing Street spokesperson condemned the politicisation of Henry Nowak's death, stating: 'The Nowak family are grieving after Henry's horrific murder. They have said they do not want his death to be used to create further division, hatred or tension. We should be respecting their wishes. Our politics should bring people together even in the most terrible of circumstances. That is who we are as a country.'
US State Department Statement
The US State Department had earlier claimed that Henry's death was a product of 'ideological conditioning and two-tiered policing,' adding that these are 'glaring symptoms of civilisational decline.'
