US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sharply criticized European countries’ migration policies during a speech in Normandy, France. Speaking at an event on June 7, 2026, he said migrants were “attacking” Europe’s shores and blamed European nations for failing to take adequate measures to stop the influx. Hegseth’s remarks compared the current situation to the 1944 Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe, suggesting that today’s European beaches face a different kind of threat.

He specifically mentioned Spain, Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria as countries where boats carrying migrants continue to arrive. His comments come amid growing political debate across Europe over migration, with opinion polls showing increasing support for parties advocating stricter immigration controls.

The speech underscores the rising tension between US and European perspectives on migration management and highlights how the issue remains central to European politics ahead of upcoming elections and policy discussions.