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Ex-president Trump has yet again declared he would pressure FIFA to remove 2026 World Cup events from a host city based on the local governance, with the Boston region becoming the latest targeted location to face such threats from the White House. Additionally, Trump suggested he would consider comparable measures against LA for the 2028 Summer Games due to perceived security concerns.

Jurisdictional Limits and Potential Influence

While Trump holds no direct legal authority to directly relocate either tournament, he is able to lobby the respective governing bodies overseeing each competition to move venues.

Background of Comments

The statements were made during a press event with Argentina's leader Milei, who was present in the executive mansion following the disclosure of a massive rescue package for the Latin American nation. Toward the conclusion of the meeting, a reporter inquired Trump about a latest public disturbance in downtown Boston where law enforcement were assaulted and a patrol car was set on fire. The journalist also asked if the situation could lead to the loss of hosting duties for the 48-team soccer tournament.

“We could take them away,” Trump said concerning the World Cup games, set to be held at the Foxborough venue. “She is poor … they're radical left, and they’re occupying areas of Boston. That is a significant assertion, don't you think?”

Street Takeovers and Ideological Perceptions

Public disruptions, a social media-driven trend where groups of people congregate on urban roads after dark to engage in dangerous driving, have been a ongoing issue in US urban areas since the lockdown closures. Recent incidents have become aggressive in the region, including Boston. However, these gatherings are usually not regarded as linked to any particular partisan agenda.

“When someone is failing, and I perceive exist dangerous circumstances, I'd call the organization's president, who is excellent, and tell him it should be shifted to a different city,” the former president stated on Tuesday. “He'd do that. He may not enjoy the action, but he would comply. Readily, he'd comply.”

FIFA Relationship

Gianni Infantino has been open his strategies to be publicly aligned with Trump ahead of the upcoming World Cup, set to be staged in numerous American venues across the US along with two in the northern neighbor and a few in the southern neighbor. The FIFA president has appeared at multiple Oval Office gatherings, facilitated Trump deliver the Club World Cup trophy after the concluding game, and has even rescheduled his own organization’s congress to travel with Trump on a visit to the Arab region earlier in 2025.

Past Statements

Despite this, Trump from threatening the removal of World Cup games from additional American venues. Recently, the Washington city and the Bay Area metropolis faced comparable criticism, with Trump stating both urban centers were “led by radical left lunatics who are clueless what they're managing,” while criticizing the security conditions of both locales and claiming that games could be shifted.

FIFA Response

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

“It’s our competition, FIFA’s jurisdiction, FIFA makes these matters,” he stated. “Respectfully to current world leaders, the sport is transcends political figures and soccer will endure their tenure and their policies. It's the beauty of our game, that it is bigger than a single person and beyond individual states.”

Olympics Threat

Similarly, Trump’s response to a inquiry about the Massachusetts city veered into a comparable warning regarding the LA Olympic event.

“If I believed LA was not going to be adequately ready, I'd move it to a different city if necessary,” he remarked. “Regarding that event I may have to get a alternative approval, but we will do that.”

Any approval Trump refers to would need to come through the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The leader, Kirsty Coventry, was selected to her role in spring and has not yet hold a public appearance with Trump, although she indicated that she desires a discussion with the US figure at eventually.

Additional Criticism

He also condemned Gavin Newsom’s management of this year’s LA wildfires, remarking that a similar situation could cause the removal of the Games.

“In case Newsom doesn’t play ball, we are going to have to be firm,” he stated.

His message was just as unambiguous for Boston.

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