Trump raises concerns over NFL Paris game amid French protests

President Donald Trump said he was worried about the NFL's decision to stage this week's international game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints in Paris, citing the large-scale protests and unrest across France.

"You worry about it," Trump told reporters at the White House on Oct. 23 as he left for a rally in Florida. "I think it looks like tomorrow is going to be a bad day in France so you worry about it. I would have said the NFL could have probably postponed that match. France is really in trouble." The NFL and the two teams said they remain confident about proceeding with the match despite anti-government demonstrations that have turned violent, leading to more than 2,000 arrests. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has asked regional authorities to enforce partial curfews in the evenings, and a Ligue 1 soccer match was moved to reduce pressure on police resources. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he has discussed the situation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and described the league's security preparations as "very high." He added that the league views itself as a guest in the country. NFL vice president for international and club business Peter O’Reilly said the league was "never close" to moving the game and expressed confidence in its operational and security plans, noting cooperation with French authorities and the U.S. State Department. "Obviously being very vigilant in everything we do, in all of our planning on an hour-by-hour basis, working closely with the two teams," O’Reilly said. The game is scheduled for Stade de France in Saint-Denis, a suburb about six miles from the areas most affected by recent looting. Police will patrol both the NFL event and surrounding central Paris districts.