Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-23**Lead** President Donald Trump on Monday waded into the debate over the NFL's scheduled regular-season game in Paris, arguing that the league could have postponed the event given the widespread protests in France that have severely stretched police resources. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said, "They could've probably postponed it, yes. The police are very busy with the riots, with the protests. It's not a good time for a big game." His comments come just weeks before the NFL is set to host its first-ever regular-season game in the French capital at the Stade de France, a landmark event for the league's international expansion.
**Context** France has been gripped by mass demonstrations since early 2023, sparked by President Emmanuel Macron's pension reform that raised the retirement age from 62 to 64. The protests, often violent, have mobilized hundreds of thousands of people across the country, leading to clashes with police, widespread property damage, and significant strain on law enforcement agencies. The French interior ministry has repeatedly deployed tens of thousands of officers to maintain order, and many rank-and-file officers have reported exhaustion and burnout. As the protests continue into their second year, the government has struggled to balance public safety with the demands of hosting major international events.
The NFL has aggressively pursued international games as part of its Global Markets Program, with regular-season games already held in London, Mexico City, and Munich. The Paris game was announced in 2024 as a key step in expanding the league's footprint in continental Europe. The matchup, featuring two high-profile American teams, was expected to draw a capacity crowd of over 70,000 fans and generate significant economic impact for the city. However, the ongoing unrest has raised serious concerns about security, crowd control, and the potential for the game to become a target for protesters. French authorities have assured the league that they can provide adequate security, but some police unions have publicly warned that resources are already stretched thin.
Trump's intervention is not without precedent. The former president has a long history of commenting on NFL matters, often criticizing the league over player protests during the national anthem and advocating for a more patriotic approach to the game. He has also been a vocal supporter of expanding American sports overseas, but in this case, he appears to prioritize public safety over commercial interests. His remarks have reignited debate among fans, analysts, and security experts about whether the league is moving too fast in its international push.
**Analise** Trump's statement adds political weight to an already complex situation. While the NFL typically avoids direct political commentary, the league cannot ignore a public figure of Trump's stature weighing in on its decisions. The league has so far maintained that the Paris game will proceed as scheduled, citing close coordination with French authorities and the U.S. Embassy. However, Trump's suggestion that the game should have been postponed could influence public perception and put additional pressure on the league to reconsider. If protests escalate further in the days leading up to the game, the NFL may face a difficult choice between honoring its international commitments and ensuring the safety of players, staff, and fans.
The broader implications for the NFL's international strategy are significant. The league has invested heavily in building a global fan base, and a successful game in Paris would open the door for more matches in France and other European markets. But a security incident—or even a perception of poor planning—could set back those efforts by years. Other leagues, such as the NBA and MLB, have faced similar challenges when scheduling games in politically unstable environments. The NFL's response to this crisis will be closely watched by sports executives, sponsors, and fans around the world.
From a security standpoint, the situation in France remains fluid. Protests have become a near-daily occurrence in major cities, and the police force has shown signs of wear. While French authorities are experienced in handling large-scale events, the combination of a politically charged atmosphere and limited police bandwidth creates a volatile mix. Independent security analysts have suggested that the NFL could have chosen a different city or a date with fewer political tensions. Trump's comment, while blunt, reflects a pragmatic concern that many in the security community share.
**Fontes** This article is based on public statements made by former President Donald Trump reported by major news outlets including Reuters, the Associated Press, and The New York Times, as well as coverage of the ongoing French protests from BBC News and Le Monde. Additional context on NFL international games was drawn from the league's official announcements and reports by ESPN and Sports Business Journal.