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Donald Trump has repeatedly stated he would pressure FIFA to remove 2026 World Cup events from a host city based on municipal governance, with Massachusetts now being the latest such city to face such warnings from the White House. Moreover, Trump remarked he would evaluate similar action against LA for the 2028 Olympics due to potential safety issues.

Official Power and Informal Leverage

Although Trump lacks formal power to personally cancel either competition, he may exert influence the international organizations managing each competition to shift venues.

Background of Comments

The statements were made during a media briefing with Argentinian president Milei, who was at the executive mansion following the disclosure of a multibillion-dollar financial assistance for the Latin American country. Near the conclusion of the gathering, a journalist questioned Trump about a current “street takeover” in downtown Boston where law enforcement were assaulted and a patrol car was ignited. The journalist also wondered if these incidents could cause the removal of hosting duties for the larger soccer tournament.

“We could take them away,” the former president said about the FIFA World Cup games, planned to be staged at the Massachusetts arena. “She is poor … they're radical left, and they are taking over sections of downtown. That is a major assertion, right?”

Urban Disturbances and Political Context

Public disruptions, a digitally organized occurrence where participants gather on public avenues late at night to conduct vehicular acrobatics, have emerged as a frequent problem in American cities since the Covid-19 pandemic closures. Latest similar events have turned violent in Massachusetts, notably in the city. Yet, these events are generally not considered linked to any distinct partisan agenda.

“In cases where someone is failing, and I believe exist dangerous circumstances, I would call Gianni [Infantino], who is outstanding, and say we should relocate it to another location,” the former president commented on Tuesday. “And he would do that. He might not prefer the action, but he would comply. Readily, he’d do it.”

FIFA Relationship

FIFA President has been open his efforts to be publicly aligned with Trump prior to the 2026 event, planned to be staged in numerous American venues across the America along with two in Canada and three in Mexico. The head has participated at various White House functions, facilitated Trump deliver the club tournament award after the concluding game, and has even rescheduled his FIFA's internal meeting to travel with Trump on a journey to the Middle East previously.

Past Statements

This has not stopped, Trump from threatening the relocation of soccer games from additional American venues. Recently, Seattle and San Francisco were comparable statements, with Trump claiming both cities were “led by radical left lunatics who are clueless what they are doing,” while questioning the security conditions of both areas and implying that matches could be relocated.

Organizational Statement

The organization's deputy Montagliani dismissed Trump’s statements when he reacted subsequently at a gathering in London.

“It is FIFA’s tournament, under our authority, FIFA makes those decisions,” the vice-president stated. “Politely to national heads, soccer is bigger than any individual and football will endure their administration and their leadership. It's the essence of this sport, that it is transcends one leader and beyond individual states.”

2028 Comments

Similarly, Trump’s answer to a query about Boston extended to a comparable warning regarding the LA Olympic event.

“If I thought LA was not adequately ready, I'd shift it to a different city as needed,” he said. “Regarding that event I’d probably have to secure a varying approval, but we'd take that action.”

Any approval Trump alluded to would have to come through the Olympic governing body. The head, she, was chosen to her position in this year and has yet to meet publicly with him, but she stated that she desires a sit-down with him at some point.

Further Comments

The former president also criticized Gavin Newsom’s handling of recent California fires, saying that a comparable scenario could cause the relocation of the Olympics.

“When Newsom doesn’t play ball, we’re gonna have to be firm,” Trump said.

The warning was equally clear for the Massachusetts city.

“They must address these issues,” he said. “That is I will say.”