Criticism of Hegseth’s D-Day Speech

British historian Simon Schama took aim at US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth for his speech on D-Day, where he mocked those who oppose mass immigration to Europe.

During a visit to the American military cemetery in Colville-sur-Mer for the 82nd anniversary of the Normandy invasion, Hegseth contrasted the “Greatest Generation” that triumphed over Nazi Germany with today’s West, which he believes has become complacent, thinking that “empty slogans” and “lavish summits” can ensure peace in Europe.

Following in the footsteps of other Trump administration figures like Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Hegseth cautioned European leaders about the threats arising from current immigration policies. He claimed, “Unfortunately, today different beaches in Europe are being attacked by various dangerous ideologies.” He mentioned the arrival of boats and people on the coasts of Spain, Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria, questioning when European capitals would respond to this “invasion”—or if it might already be too late.

His remarks, similar to other critiques of the Trump administration’s approach to immigration, ignited significant backlash from globalist commentators. Schama, a prominent advocate for welcoming immigrants, often refers to his own Jewish family’s experiences to support his views.

On social media, responses to Hegseth’s address included a mix of disbelief and scorn. One user suggested it was a “special kind of abomination,” combining historical ignorance and a troubling arrogance. Schama echoed sentiments from Hillary Clinton’s infamous “deplorables” remark, implying that the frustrations of “little people” regarding immigration shouldn’t overshadow discussions about fighting against the Third Reich.

Schama has consistently critiqued anti-immigration feelings, discussing the roots of “hatred towards immigrants,” while largely sidelining worries about cultural integration and crime associated with immigration. He has labeled Brexit as an “unnecessary act of self-harm,” expressing his disapproval as that of an outsider, and praised London for being more accepting of immigrants compared to other areas.

Despite acknowledging the economic pressures facing the working class and the significant costs of immigration funded by taxpayers, Schama has claimed that immigration has positively impacted his own life. Last year, he celebrated the presence of a Persian cafe near his London home.

An influential critic of President Trump in the UK, Schama argues that Trump’s election would ’embolden fascists globally,’ while also noting that “democracy can sometimes usher fascism into power,” referencing the Nazi party’s rise with Hitler.

However, he has refrained from drawing direct parallels between Trump and Hitler, referring to the former president as an “entertainment fascist” who, while possibly less malevolent, remains more insidiously dangerous.

Vice President J.D. Vance criticized the support for mass migration among European elites, linking it to social turmoil. He brought up the tragic case of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old who died in police custody, prompting divided responses from the left-leaning Labour government in London. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy accused Vance of meddling in British matters, despite their past criticisms of the US policing system in the wake of George Floyd’s death.