The US defense secretary, , warned on Saturday that the country is facing what he described as an “invasion of dangerous ideologies” arriving by sea, directly linking the issue to its historical legacy.
His remarks, made during a commemoration in Normandy, reflect his government’s long-standing harsh criticism of European countries. Washington argues that Europe faces serious defense problems, is unable to effectively control migration flows, is burdened by excessive bureaucracy and restricts, through “censorship”, the public expression of far-right and nationalist political forces in order to prevent their rise to power.
“Is it too late already?” – The nail for Greece, Italy, Spain
Speaking at the Normandy American Military Cemetery, in Colville-sur-Mer, Hegseth argued that today’s European shores are receiving a different type of “landings” than those that marked the history of the Second World War.
“Unfortunately, today different European shores are being assaulted by different, dangerous ideologies. “Boats and men are arriving on the coasts of Spain, Italy, Greece and Bulgaria,” he said.
The US minister continued in an even sharper tone, indirectly criticizing European governments for the way they manage the immigration issue.
“When will European capitals do something about this invasion or is it already too late?” I hope it is not and I believe it is not,” he said.
The remarks came as part of events marking the 82nd anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy, when American, British, Canadian and other allied forces crossed the Channel and opened the front that led to the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation.
Immigration at the center of criticism
The connection of the historical anniversary with immigration was not accidental. In recent years, US officials in the Trump administration, including the president himself and Vice President Jay D. Vance, have repeatedly criticized European governments, arguing that they are not doing enough to control borders and manage migration flows.
This criticism has acquired a more official character through strategic texts of the American government. A US National Security Strategy document published last year warned that Europe is at risk of “cultural extinction” and that a change of course is needed if it is to remain a reliable and powerful ally of the United States.
This particular document, as well as other public interventions by high-ranking officials of the Trump administration, have caused intense reflection in European capitals, as they challenge assumptions that have dominated transatlantic relations since the end of World War II.
Trump’s interventions strengthen the debate on European autonomy
These positions have strengthened the debate within the European Union on the need to limit dependence on the United States in critical areas, such as defense, security and technology. Several European governments are now considering ways to strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy, under the weight of growing doubts about the future reliability of US support.
Hegseth’s statements come to add to a series of interventions by the American leadership that highlight the disagreements between Washington and European capitals on issues of immigration, security and political values, at a time when transatlantic relations are being tested by new geopolitical and domestic challenges.
