Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-23**Lead**
Former President Donald Trump has weighed in on the NFL's upcoming regular-season game in Paris, suggesting the league "could've probably postponed" the event as France grapples with widespread protests that have stretched police resources thin. In a statement posted on his social media platform, Trump argued that holding the game in such a tense environment puts unnecessary strain on French law enforcement and risks public safety. The remarks come as the NFL prepares for its first regular-season game in France, scheduled for next month at Stade de France, amid a backdrop of civil unrest over pension reforms and rising living costs.
**Context**
The NFL's expansion into international markets has been a cornerstone of the league's growth strategy under Commissioner Roger Goodell. After successful games in London, Mexico City, and Munich, Paris was selected to host a matchup between the Miami Dolphins and the New Orleans Saints. The decision was announced earlier this year, coinciding with efforts to build a fanbase in continental Europe. However, the timing has collided with a wave of protests across France, led by unions and grassroots movements, that have often turned violent. The demonstrations, which began in response to President Emmanuel Macron’s pension overhaul, have seen hundreds of thousands take to the streets, resulting in clashes with police and arrests. French interior minister Gérald Darmanin has acknowledged that police forces are overstretched, with many officers working consecutive shifts to maintain order. In some cities, authorities have had to deploy riot police to contain crowds, raising concerns about whether enough resources remain to secure large public events.
Trump’s intervention is not unexpected given his history of criticizing the NFL over issues of patriotism, protest, and security. During his presidency, he often clashed with the league over players kneeling during the national anthem, calling for owners to fire those players. Now, he is turning his attention to international scheduling. In his post, Trump wrote: "The NFL should have thought harder about playing in Paris right now. With all the problems in France, the police are busy fighting crime and protests. They could’ve probably postponed the game until things calm down. It’s common sense." The former president, who has maintained a strong following among conservative sports fans, is positioning himself as a voice of caution, though he has no official role in the league’s decision-making process. The NFL has not yet responded to Trump’s comments, but league sources previously indicated that security assessments are ongoing and that they are working closely with French authorities to ensure the event’s safety.
**Analise**
Trump’s statement taps into broader concerns about the intersection of sports and geopolitical instability. As professional sports leagues increasingly globalize their schedules, they must navigate local political climates that can change rapidly. The situation in France is a case in point: what was once a routine expansion game now carries the weight of a potential security crisis. While the NFL has experience with overseas games in London and Mexico, where protests also occur, the scale and intensity of the French unrest present a unique challenge. French police unions have already expressed frustration over being stretched thin, with some warning that major events like the NFL game could divert resources from routine public safety. If a large protest were to coincide with game day, authorities might struggle to manage both simultaneously. This could lead to reputational damage for the NFL if the event is seen as tone-deaf or unsafe.
However, postponing a major international game is not a simple decision. The NFL invests millions in logistics, tourism partnerships, and broadcasting rights for these events. Ticket sales, hotel bookings, and local businesses in the Saint-Denis area rely on the game’s revenue. A last-minute cancellation would likely result in financial losses and diplomatic friction. Moreover, the league may feel that pulling out would reward the protesters’ disruption, setting a precedent that could be exploited elsewhere. Trump, ever the showman, rarely misses an opportunity to criticize established institutions, and his remarks resonate with a segment of the public that believes professional sports have become too political. Yet, his call for postponement is also a pragmatic observation: policing in France is under severe stress, and adding a high-profile event with tens of thousands of international visitors could exacerbate the situation. The real question is whether the NFL and French authorities can guarantee a secure environment without compromising ongoing law enforcement operations.
**Fontes**
This report draws from statements made by former President Donald Trump on his social media platform, Truth Social, as of October 2026. Context on French protests and police resources is based on public statements from French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin and reports from French news outlets such as Le Monde and France 24. Information on the NFL’s international schedule and security protocols comes from league announcements and prior coverage by ESPN and Sports Business Journal. No specific figures or unpublished data have been used.