US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth faces criticism after making remarks about European migration during a D-Day event. According to reports, Hegseth used the occasion to comment on what he described as an “invasion” or similar framing of migrant arrivals into Europe. The comments prompted criticism from UK figures, including Jacqui Smith, who said Hegseth was “lacking class” for making such statements at a D-Day memorial. Other coverage similarly reports that a minister and public figures objected to Hegseth’s language and choice of event, arguing that the D-Day commemoration is not an appropriate setting for political commentary on migration.
Across the accounts, the core points are consistent: Hegseth addresses migration at the D-Day event, his remarks adopt confrontational wording, and UK officials respond by condemning both the substance and the timing of the comments. The reports do not indicate that the US side has issued a reversal or clarification within the briefings cited here.
