Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s office reportedly sought to withdraw U.S. military support from the NFL’s first-ever game in France this Sunday, but reversed course after the State Department raised objections.
The Washington Post first reported that Hegseth’s team attempted to end the participation of U.S. military personnel at the New Orleans Saints–Pittsburgh Steelers matchup, scheduled for Sunday at Stade de France, north of Paris. The move came amid protests and unrest in the French capital.
People familiar with the matter told the Post that Hegseth pursued the cancellation after President Donald Trump criticized France’s handling of the nationwide demonstrations.
State Department officials reportedly pushed back, telling Hegseth’s office that American troops and civilians were not considered to face a significant threat in Paris. They also argued that maintaining a U.S. military presence at the NFL game could carry diplomatic benefits.
A spokesperson for Hegseth’s recently renamed Department of War (DOW) did not directly confirm or deny the Post’s account, but provided a statement to Our News Outlet.
‘The Department is supporting the NFL game in Paris this weekend amid the ongoing riots and unrest,’ a senior DOW official said. ‘As President Trump has said, France is really in trouble. This decision was made by the Secretary’s core leadership team, not one person alone, and there will still be DOW support at the game.’
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth takes part in a roundtable discussion with President Donald Trump
NFL players arrived in Paris as protests continued to flare across the city
Masked demonstrators gather beside burning bicycles during clashes near Place de la République in Paris
Our News Outlet also requested comment from the State Department. The NFL declined to comment.
U.S. military personnel have also taken part in other NFL games held overseas this season.
Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron have exchanged sharp criticism over the unrest, while Trump has linked the turmoil to immigration.
‘I think maybe it’s looking like tomorrow is going to be a bad day in France. So you worry about it,’ Trump said Friday. ‘I would have said the NFL could have probably postponed that match.’
‘That’s what happens when you go left. That’s what happens when you allow unlimited numbers of people into your country from very unfriendly countries.’
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Macron has dismissed Trump’s remarks as ‘stupid.’
Despite protests focused on education and the rising cost of living, the NFL has no plans to cancel Sunday’s game. A separate Steelers fan gathering in Paris, however, has been called off, according to a message sent to supporters.
‘Following recent events in the Bastille neighborhood, and after careful consideration, we felt it appropriate not to move forward with the planned Steelers House fan event in Paris,’ the message said.
‘Preparations for Sunday’s NFL Paris game at Stade de France continue as planned,’ it added, noting that ‘the NFL [is] working closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters.’
Nicki Ewell, the NFL’s vice president for global events, said the fan event cancellation was made by the Steelers. Speaking to The Associated Press at NFL House on Thursday, she explained that the league circulated the notice because it had worked with the club to promote the gathering.
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New Orleans Saints wide receiver Bryce Lance (18) speaks during a press conference Friday
The game will take place at the Stade de France, which has been transformed into an NFL field
An Irish pub called O’Sullivans in the Bastille area had been advertising a ‘watch party’ for Sunday.
The Steelers, in a statement to the Associated Press, said: ‘The NFL, as they do for every game, including international games, is working closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters. As stated by the NFL, there have been no disruptions or impacts at League sites.
‘As a precautionary measure, the Steelers designated bar that had been planned in Bastille – an area that has experienced recent disruptions – will not proceed,’ the team’s statement added.
On Wednesday, NFL commissioner Goodell said he had spoken with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and that officials remain in contact with Parisian and French authorities.
‘We’ve made all the preparations,’ Goodell said. ‘Protests are not unusual in France, as you know, and that’s something that we will be aware of and make sure that the appropriate arrangements are made.’
