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(The Guardian)Pete Hegseth’s D-day speech on immigration condemned as ‘grotesque stupidity’

Release Date
2026-06-07
Media
The Guardian
Summary
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sparked controversy during the 82nd anniversary commemoration of the D-Day landings in Normandy by comparing contemporary migration to Europe with an “invasion.” Speaking at the American military cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, he argued that European beaches are now being “stormed” by migrants arriving in countries such as Spain, Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria, and warned that Europe must defend the freedom that Allied soldiers fought to restore during World War II.

His remarks drew sharp criticism from historians, human rights advocates, and political commentators. British historian Simon Schama condemned the comments as historically ignorant and offensive, arguing that comparing immigration concerns to the struggle against Nazi Germany trivialized the sacrifices of D-Day veterans. Israeli human rights lawyer Daniel Seidemann described the remarks as a desecration of the memory of those who fought and died in Normandy.

Swedish economist Anders Åslund also criticized Hegseth, arguing that immigration policy is a domestic matter for European countries and noting the contradiction between criticizing allies while the United States has recently signaled a reduced commitment to Europe and NATO. Critics viewed the speech as part of the broader anti-immigration rhetoric promoted by the administration of Donald Trump.

The controversy was amplified when U.S. Vice President JD Vance linked a British murder case to immigration on social media. UK official David Lammy publicly rejected that claim, noting that the convicted killer was British-born and that the crime had nothing to do with mass migration. In France, local civic groups also protested Hegseth’s visit, accusing him of promoting values contrary to democracy, human rights, and international cooperation.
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Europe

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