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Ex-president Trump has yet again declared he would urge FIFA to remove 2026 World Cup matches from a designated city based on that city's politics, with Massachusetts becoming the latest such city to face such threats from the White House. Moreover, Trump indicated he would consider comparable measures against Southern California for the 2028 Olympics due to potential public safety risks.

Official Power and Possible Pressure

Although Trump does not have official jurisdiction to directly relocate either competition, he may lobby the international organizations managing each tournament to change venues.

Background of Comments

His comments were made during a news conference with Argentina's leader Milei, who was present in the White House following the revelation of a multibillion-dollar rescue package for the Latin American economy. At the end of the gathering, a media member questioned Trump about a current public disturbance in downtown Boston where law enforcement were attacked and a cruiser was ignited. The reporter also questioned if such events could lead to the loss of tournament responsibilities for the larger soccer tournament.

“We could take them away,” he said concerning the FIFA World Cup games, set to be held at the Foxborough venue. “She is ineffective … she’s far-left, and they’re occupying areas of downtown. It's a pretty big claim, don't you think?”

Public Gatherings and Political Context

Street takeovers, a digitally organized occurrence where large crowds gather on city streets during nighttime to perform stunts, have been a ongoing issue in American cities since the Covid-19 pandemic closures. Recent such gatherings have turned violent in the region, notably in the city. However, these occurrences are typically not considered associated with any specific political ideology.

“In cases where a mayor is failing, and I perceive exist unsafe conditions, I'd call the organization's president, who is phenomenal, and tell him it should be shifted to an alternate venue,” the former president stated publicly. “And he would do that. He might not prefer doing it, but he’d do it. Without hesitation, he would.”

Political Connections

FIFA President has been open his attempts to be publicly aligned with the US leader prior to next year’s tournament, planned to be organized in numerous American venues across the United States along with several in Canada and a few in Mexico. The FIFA president has been present at various Oval Office events, arranged for Trump deliver the club tournament award after that tournament’s final, and has even rescheduled his FIFA's internal meeting to accompany Trump on a journey to the Middle East previously.

Past Statements

Nevertheless, Trump from warning about the removal of World Cup matches from additional American venues. In late September, the Washington city and San Francisco came under comparable criticism, with Trump asserting both cities were “run by radical left lunatics who don’t know what they’re doing,” while questioning the security conditions of both areas and claiming that matches could be shifted.

Official Rebuttal

FIFA vice-president Montagliani dismissed Trump’s assertions when he reacted afterward at a event in England.

“It’s FIFA’s tournament, our responsibility, FIFA makes those decisions,” he stated. “With all due respect to current world leaders, football is transcends any individual and the game will endure their administration and their policies. That’s the strength of this sport, that it is transcends any individual and more important than individual states.”

Olympics Threat

During the event, Trump’s response to a inquiry about Boston included a comparable warning regarding the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“When I believed LA was failing to be adequately ready, I'd relocate it to a different city as needed,” Trump stated. “On that one I might have to get a varying consent, but we would proceed.”

The permission Trump refers to would must come through the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Their head, Kirsty Coventry, was elected to her position in this year and has yet to meet publicly with him, but she said that she hopes for a meeting with the US figure at eventually.

Other Remarks

Trump also questioned Gavin Newsom’s management of this year’s LA wildfires, saying that a similar situation could lead to the removal of the Games.

“When he is uncooperative, we will have to be firm,” the former president stated.

The warning was similarly unambiguous for the Massachusetts city.

“Boston better improve their situation,” Trump stated. “That is my message.”