In a speech at #NATO HQ in #Brussels, #Hegseth railed against #immigration & #gender #equality policies in #Europe, in remarks reminiscent to those of VP #JDVance in February last year that angered many.
“Instead of tanks & fighters & air defenses, the focus has been on gender #equity & #ClimateChange & #defense austerity. Europe’s borders flew wide open, welfare states expanded, defense budgets cratered, along with Europe’s belief in itself & its civilization,” Hegseth claimed offensively.
#Hegseth’s comments largely mischaracterized #Europe policies today. On defense, European #allies & #Canada have launched an unprecedented effort to boost #defense spending & expand their armed forces. #NATO Sec-Gen Mark Rutte noted Thursday that they spent $90 billion more on defense last year, a 20% increase over 2024. And while Europe accepted large numbers of #immigrants & #asylum seekers more than a decade ago, most countries have tightened their borders since.
