A Republican congressman criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Sunday after he appeared to draw a parallel between the legacy of the D-Day landings and current migration into Europe during a commemorative speech in France.
Appearing on CBS News’ Face the Nation, Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska said the comments were “not helpful,” maintaining that the anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy should focus strictly on honoring the service and sacrifice of World War II veterans.
Hegseth’s Normandy Address
Hegseth delivered the remarks during a ceremony in Normandy marking the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, the historic Allied amphibious assault on Nazi-occupied France.
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“Sadly, today, different European beaches are stormed by different dangerous ideologies,” Hegseth said. “Beaches in Spain and Italy and Greece and Bulgaria. Boats and men arrive. When will European capitals do something about that invasion?”
Trump administration officials have previously argued that rising migration flows could pose security and societal challenges for European countries.
Last year, Vice President JD Vance told European leaders at the Munich Security Conference that there was “nothing more urgent than mass migration.” He pointed to demographic changes in countries such as Germany and linked migration to security concerns following a car-ramming attack in Munich the day before, asking: “How many times must we suffer these appalling setbacks before we change course?”
Senior Trump administration officials have also criticized European governments for what they describe as weak border enforcement and permissive migration policies. In public remarks, they have warned rising migration could undermine security and social stability across the continent, urging European leaders to take stronger action. Hegseth’s D-Day remarks echoed that broader messaging by framing migration as a strategic concern.
Bacon’s Pushback
During his Sunday interview appearance, Bacon, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, rejected the comparison drawn by the defense secretary, arguing the historical significance of the commemoration should have been preserved.
“You know, Normandy is a time to celebrate a great day,” he said. “We lost about 3,000 troops on that beach on one day. That’s where the focus should have been.”
The congressman added: “I don’t think these comments by the secretary were helpful.”
When contacted for comment regarding Bacon’s comments, a Pentagon spokesperson told Newsweek on Sunday, “We have nothing further to add beyond the secretary’s remarks.”
The congressman further situated Hegseth’s address within a broader critique of the administration’s diplomatic approach toward European partners.
Bacon Raises NATO Concerns
“One of the concerns that many of us have when it comes to this administration, and particularly the Pentagon, right now, they’re very critical of Europe, they’re critical of the EU, they’re critical of NATO, they’re critical of a lot of the countries that make up NATO, and you never hear him criticize Russia, and that bothers us.”
He warned that such messaging could undermine trust at a time when the U.S. is working with NATO allies on security issues, including support for Ukraine amid its ongoing war against Russia.
“It’s not good for America. It’s not good for our national security, and we are allies. We have to work together,” he said, pointing to shared efforts to counter Moscow as well as China.
Bacon tied Hegseth’s comments to wider strains with U.S. allies, citing what he described as criticism of NATO partners and disputes involving Greenland and Canada as signs that “our allies have lost a lot of trust.”
Bacon has previously criticized Hegseth over other controversies at the Pentagon, including the so-called “Signalgate” scandal involving the use of encrypted messaging to discuss military operations. Last December, he said the situation and Hegseth’s response “ruined his credibility,” arguing the defense secretary showed “poor decision-making” and failed to take responsibility after the incident.
Bacon has also criticized Hegseth over other Pentagon decisions, including the firing of senior military officers. In April, he wrote on X that the removals were “not morally right nor wise” and faulted the defense secretary for failing to explain the dismissals to the public.
Reaction in Europe
Hegseth’s speech also drew pushback in Europe.
U.K. Skills Minister Jacqui Smith, when asked by LBC Radio if Hegseth was right, answered, “No, he’s not right…I think it’s a bit lacking in class to raise it at a ceremony like that.”
Jake Richards, a Labour Member of Parliament for Rother Valley, told the outlet it was “totally inappropriate” to mention immigration in the speech.
“I’m actually horrified that at a moment when we’re there to remember those heroes who fell for all of us to enjoy the freedoms that we do today, that at that moment you would launch some sort of political argument, if you can call it that, about illegal migration,” he said.
Sylvie Lamy Thepaut, a municipal association member in the French village that hosted the event, Langrune-sur-Mer, told BFM TV that Hegseth has “very warlike views.” Her association had called for Hegseth’s visit to be canceled, writing on its website that he “espouses values contrary to democracy, human rights, and peace.”
What Happens Next
The comments come as lawmakers are expected to continue debating U.S. policy toward Europe and Ukraine, including funding for air defenses and military aid.
Discussions over cooperation with NATO allies and the broader direction of foreign policy are likely to remain central as Congress revisits Ukraine-related legislation in the coming weeks.