Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth traveled to Normandy to commemorate the anniversary of the D-Day landings, but his visit quickly sparked controversy among local residents.
The former Fox News host attended a remembrance ceremony in the French coastal village of Langrune-sur-Mer on the 82nd anniversary of the Allied landings that helped turn the tide of World War II.
Instead of receiving a warm welcome, however, Hegseth was met with strong criticism from locals, some of whom openly questioned why he had been invited at all.
Locals make their feelings clear
According to French broadcaster BFM TV, some residents described Hegseth as “persona non grata,” an unwelcome person.
Among them was Sylvie Lamy Thepaut of the local civic group Langrune en Commun.
“He has very warlike remarks, and it seems to us that he does not exactly share our values of democracy and freedom,” she told the outlet.
Another member of the group, Chantal Richard, criticized the Trump administration’s approach to international institutions.
“What’s happening with the Trump administration isn’t business as usual,” she said.
Richard also expressed concern over what she described as growing hostility toward organizations established in the aftermath of World War II.
“The fact that Pete Hegseth is challenging all the international organizations that emerged from the Second World War isn’t business as usual.”
Hegseth accused of making anti-European remarks
Before Hegseth arrived in Normandy with his wife and six children, Langrune en Commun released a statement opposing the visit.
“This individual holds values contrary to democracy, human rights, and peace,” the statement read.
The group also accused Hegseth of making anti-European remarks and argued that honoring the Allied soldiers who died during the liberation of France should take precedence.
“The honor of Langrune, that of France, and the memory of the young allies, American, British, Canadian… who died on our beaches in the name of democracy would dictate canceling the visit of this individual.”
Controversial remarks during D-Day event
The criticism intensified following Hegseth’s speech during the commemorative event.
While speaking about the Allied nations that fought together during World War II, he praised what he described as a military alliance built on sacrifice and shared responsibility.
“The men buried here thought in a war-fighting alliance where every partner brought its full measure of industry, courage, and sacrifice,” Hegseth said.
He then shifted focus to modern-day Europe and migration, drawing comparisons that quickly generated backlash.
“Sadly, today, different European beaches are stormed by different dangerous ideologies,” he said.
Referring to migrants arriving by boat in countries such as Spain, Italy, Greece and Bulgaria, Hegseth added:
“When will European capitals do something about that invasion, or is it too late?”
Security concerns reported
According to The Washington Post, additional security measures were reportedly put in place for Hegseth and his family during the trip.
An anonymous former official from the Army’s Criminal Investigative Division told the newspaper that extra agents were called in to assist with protection.
The visit has since sparked debate both in France and abroad, with supporters praising Hegseth’s comments and critics arguing that his remarks overshadowed a solemn occasion meant to honor those who fought and died during World War II.
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