🔗 Share this article Donald Trump Threatens Relocation of FIFA World Cup Matches from Boston, Olympic Games from California Ex-president Trump has once again announced he would influence FIFA to remove 2026 World Cup events from a host city based on the local political climate, with the Boston region emerging as the latest targeted location to face such warnings from the White House. Moreover, Trump indicated he would consider similar action against Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics due to possible public safety risks. Legal Authority and Informal Leverage Although Trump holds no official jurisdiction to unilaterally remove either competition, he is able to exert influence the respective governing bodies managing each competition to change locations. Background of Comments The statements were made during a press event with Javier Milei, who was at the White House following the disclosure of a massive financial assistance for the Argentine economy. Toward the end of the meeting, a reporter asked Trump about a latest unauthorized gathering in the city where authorities were assaulted and a patrol car was set on fire. The correspondent also questioned if the situation could cause the loss of tournament responsibilities for the 48-team football competition. “It's possible to take them away,” he said about the FIFA World Cup games, scheduled to be staged at Gillette Stadium. “She is not good … she’s extremist, and activists are occupying parts of the city. It's a significant assertion, right?” Public Gatherings and Political Context Public disruptions, a online-fueled trend where large crowds congregate on city streets during nighttime to engage in dangerous driving, have become a repeated problem in metropolitan centers since the Covid-19 pandemic shutdowns. Recent such gatherings have escalated into violence in the state, including Boston. However, these events are generally not seen as tied to any particular political ideology. “When a mayor is doing a bad job, and I believe exist unsafe conditions, I'd call the FIFA head, who is excellent, and tell him we should relocate it to another location,” Trump commented publicly. “He'd do that. He might not prefer the action, but he would comply. Without hesitation, he'd comply.” Political Connections Gianni Infantino has made no secret his attempts to be publicly aligned with the former president prior to the upcoming World Cup, set to be organized in 11 cities across the America along with a couple in Canada and three in Mexico. The organization's leader has appeared at various Oval Office functions, arranged for Trump present the FIFA club award after the concluding game, and has even postponed his FIFA's internal meeting to accompany Trump on a visit to the Arab region previously. Earlier Warnings Nevertheless, Trump from threatening the cancellation of World Cup events from additional American venues. On September 25, Seattle and San Francisco came under comparable statements, with Trump stating both urban centers were “led by ideological activists who lack understanding what they are doing,” while challenging the safety level of both cities and claiming that games could be shifted. Official Rebuttal FIFA vice-president Montagliani rejected Trump’s statements when he reacted afterward at a gathering in England. “It is FIFA’s tournament, our responsibility, FIFA makes such choices,” Montagliani stated. “With all due respect to national heads, the sport is bigger than them and the game will survive their regime and their leadership. That’s the essence of football, that it is more significant than any individual and beyond a nation.” 2028 Comments During the event, Trump’s reply to a inquiry about Boston veered into a parallel statement regarding the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. “In case I believed Los Angeles was failing to be prepared properly, I will move it to a different city as needed,” he remarked. “On that one I might have to obtain a different kind of permission, but we will proceed.” Official consent Trump mentioned would must come via the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The leader, the newly elected president, was selected to her position in spring and has so far not hold a public appearance with Trump, though she stated that she desires a sit-down with the US figure at some point. Additional Criticism The former president also criticized Gavin Newsom’s response of this year’s California fires, saying that a parallel incident could result in the removal of the event. “If the governor doesn’t play ball, we’re gonna have to be very tough,” the former president stated. His message was similarly clear for the Massachusetts city. “Boston must improve their situation,” Trump stated. “That’s all I can say.”