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Donald Trump has repeatedly stated he would influence FIFA to relocate 2026 World Cup events from a designated city based on that city's political climate, with Boston becoming the most recent such city to receive such threats from the White House. Furthermore, Trump indicated he would consider comparable measures against Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics due to perceived safety issues.

Jurisdictional Limits and Potential Influence

Although Trump holds no direct legal authority to unilaterally remove either event, he may lobby the organizing committees managing each tournament to shift host cities.

Background of Comments

The statements were made during a press event with Argentinian president Milei, who was at the White House following the revelation of a massive bailout for the South American economy. Near the end of the event, a media member questioned Trump about a current public disturbance in downtown Boston where police officers were targeted and a police vehicle was set on fire. The correspondent also wondered if such events could lead to the removal of hosting duties for the 48-team soccer tournament.

“It's possible to take them away,” the former president said regarding the FIFA World Cup fixtures, scheduled to be hosted at the Foxborough venue. “The city's leader is poor … she’s far-left, and they are occupying areas of downtown. That is a significant statement, right?”

Urban Disturbances and Public Safety Concerns

Public disruptions, a social media-driven occurrence where large crowds congregate on urban roads late at night to perform stunts, have become a ongoing issue in US urban areas since the Covid-19 pandemic closures. Recent such gatherings have turned violent in the state, specifically in the city. Nevertheless, these gatherings are generally not regarded as associated with any specific political ideology.

“In cases where a city is performing poorly, and I feel there are dangerous circumstances, I'd call the organization's president, who is excellent, and tell him let’s move it to another location,” Trump stated during the event. “He'd do that. He may not enjoy to do it, but he’d do it. Without hesitation, he would.”

Organizational Alignment

FIFA President has made no secret his strategies to be visibly associated with the US leader before next year’s tournament, set to be staged in 11 cities across the America along with two in the northern neighbor and multiple in Mexico. The organization's leader has appeared at several presidential gatherings, facilitated Trump present the club tournament award after that tournament’s final, and has even postponed his FIFA's internal meeting to accompany Trump on a visit to the Middle East this year.

Earlier Warnings

Despite this, Trump from threatening the cancellation of soccer events from additional American venues. In late September, Seattle and the Bay Area metropolis faced similar criticism, with Trump asserting both locations were “led by radical left lunatics who are clueless what they’re doing,” while questioning the security conditions of both locales and suggesting that events could be removed.

FIFA Response

FIFA vice-president Montagliani rebuffed Trump’s assertions when he responded afterward at a event in London.

“It is FIFA’s tournament, FIFA’s jurisdiction, we decide such choices,” Montagliani stated. “With all due respect to current world leaders, the sport is transcends political figures and soccer will endure their administration and their leadership. That’s the beauty of football, that it is more significant than any individual and bigger than individual states.”

Olympics Threat

During the event, Trump’s reply to a inquiry about the Massachusetts city extended to a parallel statement regarding the upcoming Summer Games.

“When I thought Los Angeles was not going to be sufficiently organized, I will move it to another location as needed,” he said. “For the Olympics I might have to obtain a different kind of permission, but we will take that action.”

The permission Trump refers to would have to come via the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The leader, she, was chosen to her post in this year and has not yet meet publicly with the former president, but she indicated that she would like a discussion with the US figure at eventually.

Other Remarks

Trump also condemned California governor Newsom’s handling of the LA wildfires, remarking that a comparable scenario could lead to the relocation of the Games.

“When Newsom is uncooperative, we are going to have to be firm,” Trump said.

The warning was equally clear for the Massachusetts city.

“Boston better address these issues,” Trump stated. “It's I will say.”