Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commemorated the sacrifices of soldiers who died during the D-Day landings in France 81 years ago, amid ongoing tensions regarding U.S. relations with European allies.
This visit marked Hegseth's first trip to Europe since he previously criticized America’s allies in a private chat. Despite the potential for friction, his speech delivered at the Normandy American Cemetery focused on the achievements of the Allied forces during World War II, emphasizing their collective victory against Nazi Germany.
Hegseth addressed the gathered audience, including numerous American World War II veterans, underscoring the significance of international unity in achieving freedom. “Without the sacrifices of American, French, British and other Allied powers, we would not have a free world,” he stated.
Despite a sense of relief from his speech, there were underlying tensions related to contemporary geopolitical issues. D-Day ceremonies have increasingly included references to Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression since the onset of the conflict in 2022, with previous leaders affirming America's commitment to supporting Ukraine.
In contrast, the Trump administration expressed skepticism about European allies, with Trump attributing the conflict in Ukraine to actions by the European Union, while Hegseth previously downplayed support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and NATO membership ambitions.
The atmosphere remained complicated during the ceremony, described by historians as “less comfortable,” reflecting a divergence in values between the current U.S. administration and the historical sacrifices commemorated at D-Day.
While attendance at the events appeared steady, organizers advised staff to avoid political discussions in favor of honoring the past. Remarks from officials, including the French defense minister, highlighted the enduring friendship between France and the United States without delving into contemporary tensions.
Despite differing views on European unity and defense, some European leaders expressed a desire to strengthen ties with the U.S. in the face of uncertainty regarding American support for Ukraine.
Personal connections to D-Day veterans persisted, with attendees emphasizing that these bonds transcend political differences. Hegseth’s focus during his tenure has been on instilling a traditional military ethos within the Department of Defense, reflective of the courage displayed by those who fought on D-Day.
In closing his speech, Hegseth drew upon the spirit of the landings, encouraging a vision of strength and freedom among nations.