Don Bacon Rebukes Hegseth's D-Day Speech Over 3,000 Normandy Deaths
Updated
Updated · Newsweek · Jun 7
Don Bacon Rebukes Hegseth's D-Day Speech Over 3,000 Normandy Deaths
3 articles · Updated · Newsweek · Jun 7
Summary
Don Bacon, a Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, said Pete Hegseth's D-Day remarks were "not helpful" and argued the 82nd-anniversary ceremony should have focused on honoring World War II sacrifice.
Hegseth had told a Normandy audience that European beaches were now being "stormed" by migrants, citing Spain, Italy, Greece and Bulgaria and asking when European capitals would act against that "invasion."
Bacon said the speech fit a broader pattern of Pentagon criticism of Europe, NATO and the EU while rarely criticizing Russia, warning that such messaging erodes allied trust as Washington works with partners on Ukraine and wider security threats.
U.K. and French critics also condemned the remarks as inappropriate for a memorial event, while the Pentagon declined further comment beyond Hegseth's speech.
The dispute lands as lawmakers continue debating U.S. policy toward Europe and Ukraine, including future military aid and air-defense support.