US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced backlash from residents of a small French village during his visit to commemorate the D-Day landings. The 45-year-old was labeled “persona non grata” by some locals in Langrune-sur-Mer, where a memorial ceremony was held on Saturday, as reported by French broadcaster BFM TV.
Sylvie Lamy Thepaut, a local activist and member of Langrune en Commun community organization, criticized the Pentagon chief before the event, citing his perceived aggressive rhetoric that appeared contrary to democratic values. The group had earlier called for the cancellation of Hegseth’s visit, citing his alleged anti-European statements and beliefs that they claimed were not aligned with democracy, human rights, and peace.
Chantal Richard, another member of Langrune en Commun, expressed concerns about what they viewed as the troubling direction of the Trump administration, emphasizing the need to address Hegseth’s values, which they characterized as colonial, warmongering, racist, and far-right. The group emphasized the importance of speaking out against such values rather than remaining silent on the matter.
Criticism also arose in the US regarding the expenses related to Hegseth’s visit to France with his family, prompting reactions from current and former officials back home. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell defended the decision, stating that Hegseth’s family covered their travel expenses independently.
Amidst ceremonies honoring the Allied landings anniversary, Hegseth appeared to criticize European countries on immigration and defense spending issues.