Hegseth's Office Reportedly Tried to Pull US Troops From Paris NFL Game, Then Backed Down

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's office tried to stop US military personnel from taking part in the NFL's first-ever game in France, then reversed course at the State Department's request, The Washington Post reported on Oct. 23, 2026. The game is this Sunday at the Stade de France north of Paris, between the New Orleans Saints and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Anonymous sources told the Post the move followed protests and civil unrest in the French capital and came after President Donald Trump criticized the French response to the uprisings. State Department officials reportedly told Hegseth's office that US troops and civilians were not believed to face a high risk of danger in Paris and that there was diplomatic value in having troops at the game. A spokesperson for Hegseth's renamed Department of War did not directly confirm or deny the reporting. A senior department official said in a statement that the department is supporting the game amid ongoing riots and unrest, cited Trump's remark that France is really in trouble, and said the decision was made by the Secretary's core leadership team.

Raw Story, on the left, leads with the outcome. Its headline says Hegseth's office lost a showdown with the State Department and credits the Post. The excerpt provided has only a photo caption, so it gives no details on risk, diplomacy or the Pentagon's response. The Daily Mail, on the right, runs the fullest account. Its headline says the office tried to block troops, and it lays out the anonymous sourcing, Trump's criticism, the State Department's two arguments and the Department of War statement. Both outlets rely on the Post and agree Hegseth's office lost out to the State Department. They differ in that the left stresses the defeat while the right gives the Pentagon's own words. Responsible Statecraft, an alternative outlet, takes a separate angle. It reports that Democratic lawmakers are planning post-midterm investigations of Hegseth, citing The Telegraph on contacts with potential whistleblowers and possible subpoenas.