🔗 Share this article

Former President Trump has repeatedly stated he would urge FIFA to pull upcoming World Cup events from a designated city based on that city's political climate, with the Boston region now being the third such city to face such threats from the White House. Moreover, Trump suggested he would consider comparable measures against Los Angeles for the upcoming Olympic Games due to potential security concerns.

Jurisdictional Limits and Possible Pressure

Although Trump does not have formal power to directly relocate either competition, he may exert influence the respective governing bodies in charge of each tournament to move venues.

Context of Remarks

These comments were made during a media briefing with Argentina's leader Milei, who was present in the executive mansion following the announcement of a $20 billion rescue package for the South American nation. Near the end of the meeting, a journalist inquired Trump about a latest unauthorized gathering in the city where law enforcement were targeted and a police vehicle was set on fire. The journalist also questioned if these incidents could lead to the loss of hosting duties for the larger soccer tournament.

“I would take them away,” Trump remarked about the World Cup matches, set to be hosted at Gillette Stadium. “Their mayor is poor … she is extremist, and they’re occupying sections of Boston. That’s a major claim, isn't it?”

Public Gatherings and Political Context

Public disruptions, a social media-driven trend where groups of people assemble on public avenues after dark to engage in dangerous driving, have become a frequent issue in American cities since the coronavirus restrictions. Latest similar events have escalated into violence in the region, notably in the city. However, these events are typically not regarded as associated with any distinct political ideology.

“If someone is doing a bad job, and I believe there’s dangerous circumstances, I will call the organization's president, who is outstanding, and tell him we should relocate it to a different city,” the former president stated publicly. “He'd do that. He might not prefer doing it, but he would comply. Without hesitation, he would.”

Political Connections

FIFA President has been open his attempts to be visibly associated with the US leader ahead of the 2026 event, set to be staged in multiple US locations across the United States along with a couple in the northern neighbor and three in the southern neighbor. The head has been present at several Oval Office functions, had Trump present the FIFA club award after the concluding game, and has even rescheduled his FIFA's internal meeting to travel with Trump on a visit to the Arab region this year.

Previous Threats

Nevertheless, Trump from warning about the relocation of FIFA World Cup games from other US host cities. Recently, the Washington city and the Bay Area metropolis came under comparable criticism, with Trump asserting both locations were “led by ideological activists who lack understanding what they’re doing,” while questioning the safety level of both locales and implying that games could be shifted.

Official Rebuttal

The organization's deputy Montagliani rejected Trump’s statements when he responded days later at a gathering in the UK capital.

“It is the organization's event, FIFA’s jurisdiction, the organization determines such choices,” Montagliani declared. “Politely to sitting presidents, the sport is more important than them and football will endure their regime and their leadership. That is the beauty of football, that it is transcends any individual and beyond any country.”

2028 Comments

On Tuesday, Trump’s reply to a query about the Massachusetts city included a parallel statement regarding the upcoming Summer Games.

“When I believed Los Angeles was not going to be prepared properly, I'd move it to another location as needed,” Trump stated. “Regarding that event I might have to obtain a alternative consent, but we'd do that.”

Official consent Trump mentioned would must come through the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Their president, she, was selected to her position in March and has not yet hold a public appearance with him, but she indicated that she would like a meeting with him at a future time.

Other Remarks

Trump also criticized the state's leader Newsom’s response of recent LA wildfires, stating that a similar situation could result in the cancellation of the Olympics.

“When he refuses to cooperate, we will have to be firm,” the former president commented.

His statement was equally unambiguous for Boston.

“They must clean up their act,” he remarked. “It's I can say.”