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Donald Trump has yet again announced he would pressure FIFA to remove 2026 World Cup events from a designated city based on the local politics, with Massachusetts now being the most recent such city to face such statements from the American leader. Furthermore, Trump indicated he would contemplate similar action against LA for the 2028 Summer Games due to perceived security concerns.

Jurisdictional Limits and Potential Influence

Although Trump lacks direct legal authority to personally cancel either competition, he can exert influence the international organizations in charge of each event to shift host cities.

Background of Comments

These statements were made during a media briefing with Javier Milei, who was visiting the presidential residence following the revelation of a multibillion-dollar rescue package for the South American nation. Toward the close of the event, a media member questioned Trump about a recent public disturbance in the city where authorities were targeted and a police vehicle was ignited. The journalist also wondered if such events could cause the loss of tournament responsibilities for the 48-team football competition.

“I would take them away,” he said about the FIFA World Cup fixtures, planned to be held at the Foxborough venue. “Their mayor is poor … she is far-left, and activists are dominating sections of the city. That’s a major statement, isn't it?”

Urban Disturbances and Public Safety Concerns

Street takeovers, a online-fueled trend where large crowds assemble on public avenues late at night to engage in dangerous driving, have been a frequent problem in US urban areas since the lockdown restrictions. Latest similar events have escalated into violence in the region, including Boston. Nevertheless, these occurrences are generally not regarded as linked to any particular ideological group.

“If a city is performing poorly, and I feel there are unsafe conditions, I'd call Gianni [Infantino], who is excellent, and tell him let’s move it to an alternate venue,” the former president said on Tuesday. “He'd do that. He might not prefer doing it, but he'd agree. Very easily, he would.”

Organizational Alignment

Gianni Infantino has made no secret his strategies to be closely connected with the US leader before the upcoming World Cup, set to be hosted in numerous American venues across the US along with several in the northern neighbor and three in Mexico. The FIFA president has participated at multiple presidential functions, had Trump present the club tournament trophy after the championship match, and has even delayed his FIFA's internal meeting to travel with Trump on a journey to the Arab region earlier in 2025.

Earlier Warnings

Nevertheless, Trump from threatening the removal of soccer games from other US host cities. In late September, the Washington city and the Bay Area metropolis faced comparable statements, with Trump stating both urban centers were “run by far-left extremists who are clueless what they’re doing,” while questioning the public safety of both cities and suggesting that events could be removed.

Organizational Statement

The organization's deputy Montagliani rebuffed Trump’s claims when he reacted afterward at a event in London.

“This is the organization's event, under our authority, FIFA makes these matters,” he stated. “Respectfully to current world leaders, football is more important than political figures and the game will survive their administration and their government. That is the strength of our game, that it is bigger than one leader and bigger than any country.”

LA Games Warning

Similarly, Trump’s response to a inquiry about Boston extended to a similar threat regarding the upcoming Summer Games.

“If I thought LA was not prepared properly, I will relocate it to another location as needed,” Trump stated. “Regarding that event I might have to get a alternative permission, but we will proceed.”

Official consent Trump refers to would have to come via the IOC. The leader, Kirsty Coventry, was chosen to her post in spring and has not yet appear together with him, though she stated that she hopes for a meeting with the US figure at some point.

Additional Criticism

The former president also questioned California governor Newsom’s handling of recent LA wildfires, saying that a parallel incident could result in the cancellation of the event.

“When Newsom refuses to cooperate, we’re gonna have to be strict,” he said.

His statement was similarly unambiguous for the Massachusetts city.

“The city should address these issues,” he said. “That’s all I can say.”