US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's visit to Langrune-sur-Mer, France, to commemorate D-Day sparked significant backlash from local residents. Many labeled him 'persona non grata,' expressing concerns over his controversial remarks and perceived anti-European sentiments. Sylvie Lamy Thepaut, a local campaigner, criticized Hegseth for his 'warlike remarks' and for not sharing values of democracy and freedom. The civic group Langrune en Commun issued a statement urging the cancellation of his visit, citing his comments about 'the parasitism of Europeans' and 'American supremacist' views. Another member of the group, Chantal Richard, emphasized the need to speak out against what they see as the Trump administration's harmful direction. Hegseth's arrival was further complicated by criticisms regarding the security costs of his family accompanying him, which the Pentagon defended, stating they traveled at their own expense. During the commemorative events, Hegseth also made remarks criticizing European nations on issues of immigration and defense spending, further inflaming local sentiments against him.