GOP Lawmaker Calls Out Hegseth Over D-Day Immigration Speech

A Republican congressman criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's remarks that appeared to tie the legacy of the D-Day landings to migration into Europe during a speech in France on Saturday, drawing criticism from within his own party.

Speaking on CBS' Face the Nation on Sunday, Nebraska Representative Don Bacon said the comments were "not helpful," arguing the anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy should remain focused on honoring those who fought and died in World War II.

Hegseth D-Day Remarks

Hegseth made the comments during a speech in Normandy marking the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, when Allied forces landed on the beaches of Nazi-occupied France.

"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 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 that 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.

GOP Pushback

Bacon pushed back on the comparison, saying the anniversary should have been handled differently.

"You know, Normandy is a time to celebrate a great day," Bacon said. "We lost about 3,000 troops on that beach on one day. That's where the focus should have been."

He said the occasion should be used to highlight cooperation with allies, not introduce political messaging connected to immigration or domestic policy debates.

"I don't think these comments by the Secretary were helpful," Bacon added, emphasizing that D-Day commemorations are traditionally centered on remembrance and alliance unity.

Reached about Bacon’s remarks, the Pentagon told Newsweek on Sunday, “We have nothing further to add beyond the Secretary's remarks.”

NATO Allies Concern

Bacon also framed the remarks as part of a broader concern about how the administration has treated U.S. allies in Europe.

"You never hear him criticize Russia, and that bothers us," Bacon said, raising concerns about what he described as a pattern of criticism directed at European partners while avoiding direct challenges to Moscow.

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.

"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 Russia and China.

Bacon tied the 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, the Nebraska Republican said the episode 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.

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.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published June 7, 2026 at 12:54 PM.