The former president Suggests Removal of World Cup Matches from Massachusetts, Olympic Games from LA

Ex-president Trump has repeatedly declared he would pressure FIFA to pull global soccer tournament events from a host city based on the local political climate, with Boston now being the most recent such city to face such threats from the American leader. Additionally, Trump suggested he would contemplate comparable measures against Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics due to potential safety issues.

Legal Authority and Potential Influence

Even though Trump holds no official jurisdiction to directly relocate either tournament, he can exert influence the international organizations overseeing each event to move host cities.

Context of Remarks

His remarks were made during a press event with Argentinian president Milei, who was at the White House following the announcement of a massive rescue package for the South American economy. Near the conclusion of the meeting, a reporter inquired Trump about a latest unauthorized gathering in Boston where law enforcement were targeted and a cruiser was ignited. The correspondent also wondered if these incidents could lead to the loss of tournament responsibilities for the expanded football competition.

“It's possible to take them away,” the former president remarked concerning the World Cup fixtures, set to be held at Gillette Stadium. “She is ineffective … she’s extremist, and activists are dominating areas of downtown. It's a pretty big assertion, don't you think?”

Public Gatherings and Public Safety Concerns

Unauthorized gatherings, a social media-driven occurrence where groups of people gather on public avenues late at night to perform stunts, have become a frequent nuisance in metropolitan centers since the lockdown restrictions. Current similar events have become aggressive in the region, including downtown. However, these events are typically not seen as associated with any particular political ideology.

“In cases where a city is failing, and I feel there’s unsafe conditions, I will call the organization's president, who is phenomenal, and suggest let’s move it to a different city,” Trump stated publicly. “He'd do that. He might not prefer to do it, but he’d do it. Readily, he would.”

FIFA Relationship

Gianni Infantino has made no secret his attempts to be visibly associated with the former president prior to the upcoming World Cup, planned to be staged in numerous American venues across the United States along with a couple in the northern neighbor and a few in the southern neighbor. The organization's leader has appeared at various White House functions, arranged for Trump deliver the Club World Cup cup after the concluding game, and has even rescheduled his FIFA's internal meeting to accompany Trump on a visit to the Middle East earlier in 2025.

Previous Threats

Nevertheless, Trump from warning about the cancellation of soccer events from additional American venues. In late September, Seattle and San Francisco were comparable statements, with Trump stating both urban centers were “run by ideological activists who are clueless what they’re doing,” while questioning the security conditions of both locales and implying that games could be shifted.

Organizational Statement

Victor Montagliani rejected Trump’s assertions when he commented subsequently at a event in the UK capital.

“It is the organization's event, under our authority, FIFA makes those decisions,” the vice-president declared. “With all due respect to current world leaders, soccer is bigger than them and soccer will endure their administration and their government. It's the strength of football, that it is transcends any individual and more important than any country.”

2028 Comments

During the event, Trump’s response to a question about the Massachusetts city included a similar threat regarding the LA Olympic event.

“In case I thought LA was failing to be adequately ready, I would shift it to a different city if necessary,” he said. “On that one I’d probably have to get a varying consent, but we will proceed.”

Any approval Trump alluded to would must come from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Their president, she, was chosen to her role in spring and has yet to hold a public appearance with Trump, though she said that she desires a discussion with the US figure at some point.

Other Remarks

The former president also criticized California governor Newsom’s management of recent LA wildfires, remarking that a parallel incident could lead to the relocation of the Games.

“When the governor is uncooperative, we are going to have to be very tough,” he stated.

His message was just as unambiguous for Boston.

“Boston should clean up their act,” he remarked. “It's my message.”