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Former President Trump has repeatedly stated he would urge FIFA to remove upcoming World Cup games from a host city based on that city's politics, with Massachusetts emerging as the latest such city to receive such warnings from the US president. Moreover, Trump suggested he would consider comparable measures against LA for the 2028 Summer Games due to potential public safety risks.

Legal Authority and Potential Influence

Even though Trump lacks official jurisdiction to personally cancel either event, he may exert influence the international organizations in charge of each tournament to move venues.

Context of Remarks

His remarks were made during a press event with Argentinian president Milei, who was at the White House following the announcement of a multibillion-dollar rescue package for the Latin American economy. Toward the conclusion of the gathering, a reporter asked Trump about a recent public disturbance in Boston where law enforcement were targeted and a police vehicle was set on fire. The reporter also questioned if the situation could lead to the loss of tournament responsibilities for the 48-team football competition.

“It's possible to take them away,” Trump stated concerning the soccer fixtures, scheduled to be held at the Massachusetts arena. “Their mayor is poor … she is far-left, and they are dominating sections of downtown. It's a major statement, don't you think?”

Street Takeovers and Public Safety Concerns

Unauthorized gatherings, a online-fueled occurrence where large crowds gather on urban roads after dark to engage in dangerous driving, have emerged as a frequent problem in US urban areas since the coronavirus restrictions. Recent incidents have turned violent in the region, notably in the city. Nevertheless, these events are typically not seen as tied to any particular ideological group.

“When someone is failing, and I feel there are dangerous circumstances, I will call the FIFA head, who is phenomenal, and say we should relocate it to a different city,” the former president commented publicly. “He'd do that. He may not enjoy to do it, but he'd agree. Readily, he would.”

FIFA Relationship

FIFA President has publicly acknowledged his attempts to be closely connected with the US leader before next year’s tournament, planned to be organized in multiple US locations across the US along with two in Canada and a few in the southern neighbor. The head has been present at several presidential gatherings, facilitated Trump present the Club World Cup cup after that tournament’s final, and has even postponed his the group's assembly to join Trump on a visit to the Gulf states previously.

Previous Threats

This has not stopped, Trump from threatening the cancellation of soccer events from different locations. In late September, Seattle and San Francisco were parallel statements, with Trump stating both urban centers were “governed by far-left extremists who don’t know what they’re doing,” while questioning the public safety of both locales and suggesting that games could be relocated.

Official Rebuttal

Victor Montagliani dismissed Trump’s assertions when he commented days later at a event in London.

“It’s the organization's event, under our authority, we decide those decisions,” he declared. “Politely to national heads, the sport is bigger than any individual and football will survive their regime and their government. That is the beauty of our game, that it is transcends one leader and more important than individual states.”

2028 Comments

During the event, Trump’s response to a query about Boston included a parallel statement regarding the upcoming Summer Games.

“If I thought Los Angeles was not prepared properly, I would shift it to a different city if necessary,” he said. “For the Olympics I’d probably have to get a varying permission, but we would do that.”

Any approval Trump mentioned would must come through the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The president, Kirsty Coventry, was selected to her role in this year and has yet to hold a public appearance with him, although she said that she desires a sit-down with him at a future time.

Further Comments

The former president also criticized California governor Newsom’s response of this year’s LA wildfires, remarking that a comparable scenario could cause the relocation of the Games.

“When the governor doesn’t play ball, we’re gonna have to be strict,” he stated.

His message was similarly direct for Boston.

“Boston must clean up their act,” he remarked. “It's my message.”