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Ex-president Trump has once again stated he would urge FIFA to pull 2026 World Cup events from a venue based on that city's political climate, with Boston emerging as the most recent urban area to face such threats from the US president. Moreover, Trump remarked he would evaluate similar action against Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics due to perceived safety issues.

Legal Authority and Possible Pressure

While Trump lacks official jurisdiction to directly relocate either event, he can lobby the organizing committees overseeing each event to move host cities.

Background of Comments

These statements were made during a media briefing with Argentinian president Milei, who was visiting the presidential residence following the revelation of a massive rescue package for the Argentine nation. At the conclusion of the meeting, a reporter questioned Trump about a recent unauthorized gathering in Boston where police officers were attacked and a police vehicle was set on fire. The correspondent also questioned if the situation could lead to the removal of organizing rights for the 48-team World Cup.

“It's possible to take them away,” Trump said regarding the soccer matches, scheduled to be held at the Foxborough venue. “She is ineffective … she’s radical left, and they are taking over sections of the city. That’s a significant statement, right?”

Street Takeovers and Political Context

Street takeovers, a social media-driven phenomenon where participants gather on urban roads during nighttime to perform stunts, have emerged as a frequent issue in US urban areas since the lockdown shutdowns. Current incidents have turned violent in the region, specifically in the city. Yet, these gatherings are generally not considered linked to any specific ideological group.

“When a city is failing, and I believe there are unsafe conditions, I will call the organization's president, who is outstanding, and tell him let’s move it to another location,” he said on Tuesday. “And he would do that. He may not enjoy doing it, but he'd agree. Very easily, he'd comply.”

FIFA Relationship

Gianni Infantino has publicly acknowledged his efforts to be publicly aligned with the former president before next year’s tournament, set to be staged in multiple US locations across the America along with two in the northern neighbor and multiple in the southern neighbor. The head has participated at multiple Oval Office gatherings, facilitated Trump deliver the FIFA club award after the championship match, and has even rescheduled his own organization’s congress to join Trump on a trip to the Middle East previously.

Earlier Warnings

Nevertheless, Trump from warning about the cancellation of World Cup games from additional American venues. In late September, Seattle and the Bay Area metropolis faced similar statements, with Trump asserting both locations were “governed by ideological activists who lack understanding what they're managing,” while questioning the safety level of both locales and implying that events could be relocated.

Organizational Statement

The organization's deputy Montagliani rebuffed Trump’s claims when he commented subsequently at a conference in the UK capital.

“This is FIFA’s tournament, FIFA’s jurisdiction, we decide such choices,” Montagliani declared. “Respectfully to national heads, football is bigger than them and football will outlast their administration and their government. It's the beauty of football, that it is bigger than a single person and beyond a nation.”

LA Games Warning

On Tuesday, Trump’s answer to a question about Boston extended to a comparable warning regarding the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“When I perceived Los Angeles was not going to be sufficiently organized, I will shift it to an alternate venue if I had to,” Trump stated. “Regarding that event I might have to secure a alternative approval, but we will take that action.”

The permission Trump mentioned would must come from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The leader, the newly elected president, was chosen to her role in spring and has not yet hold a public appearance with him, but she stated that she would like a sit-down with Trump at a future time.

Additional Criticism

He also condemned California governor Newsom’s response of the LA wildfires, saying that a comparable scenario could lead to the cancellation of the Olympics.

“When he doesn’t play ball, we will have to be very tough,” the former president stated.

His message was equally direct for Boston.

“Boston should improve their situation,” Trump stated. “That is I can say.”