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Former President Trump has once again announced he would urge FIFA to remove upcoming World Cup events from a venue based on municipal governance, with the Boston region now being the third urban area to face such warnings from the US president. Additionally, Trump indicated he would consider comparable measures against Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics due to perceived security concerns.

Official Power and Potential Influence

Although Trump does not have direct legal authority to directly relocate either event, he is able to apply pressure the organizing committees managing each tournament to move locations.

Background of Comments

His comments were made during a press event with Argentinian president Milei, who was present in the presidential residence following the revelation of a massive rescue package for the Argentine country. At the end of the event, a media member inquired Trump about a current public disturbance in the city where police officers were assaulted and a police vehicle was set on fire. The journalist also asked if such events could cause the loss of tournament responsibilities for the 48-team soccer tournament.

“I would take them away,” Trump remarked concerning the World Cup matches, set to be held at the Massachusetts arena. “Their mayor is poor … she’s far-left, and activists are dominating sections of Boston. That’s a major statement, right?”

Urban Disturbances and Ideological Perceptions

Unauthorized gatherings, a social media-driven trend where large crowds gather on public avenues during nighttime to engage in dangerous driving, have been a frequent nuisance in metropolitan centers since the coronavirus restrictions. Current incidents have become aggressive in Massachusetts, notably in Boston. Nevertheless, these events are generally not considered linked to any particular political ideology.

“When someone is failing, and I perceive there’s security risks, I'd call the organization's president, who is outstanding, and say we should relocate it to an alternate venue,” he stated on Tuesday. “He will do that. He might not prefer the action, but he'd agree. Readily, he would.”

Organizational Alignment

The organization's head has publicly acknowledged his attempts to be publicly aligned with Trump prior to the 2026 event, set to be hosted in numerous American venues across the United States along with several in Canada and three in Mexico. The FIFA president has appeared at various Oval Office events, arranged for Trump hand over the club tournament cup after that tournament’s final, and has even postponed his own organization’s congress to travel with Trump on a visit to the Gulf states this year.

Previous Threats

Nevertheless, Trump from suggesting the removal of soccer events from additional American venues. In late September, the Washington city and San Francisco faced similar criticism, with Trump claiming both urban centers were “governed by ideological activists who are clueless what they are doing,” while criticizing the safety level of both locales and claiming that games could be relocated.

Organizational Statement

FIFA vice-president Montagliani rejected Trump’s claims when he commented subsequently at a conference in London.

“This is the organization's event, FIFA’s jurisdiction, we decide those decisions,” the vice-president declared. “With all due respect to current world leaders, the sport is more important than them and soccer will survive their administration and their policies. That is the strength of our game, that it is more significant than a single person and more important than any country.”

LA Games Warning

Similarly, Trump’s reply to a query about Boston included a parallel statement regarding the LA Olympic event.

“If I thought Los Angeles was not adequately ready, I'd relocate it to an alternate venue if I had to,” Trump stated. “For the Olympics I might have to secure a varying permission, but we'd take that action.”

Any approval Trump alluded to would have to come through the Olympic governing body. Their head, Kirsty Coventry, was chosen to her position in this year and has yet to hold a public appearance with him, but she said that she desires a meeting with him at a future time.

Further Comments

He also condemned Gavin Newsom’s handling of this year’s California fires, stating that a similar situation could result in the relocation of the Games.

“If Newsom refuses to cooperate, we will have to be firm,” Trump said.

His message was similarly direct for Boston.

“The city should clean up their act,” he said. “That is my message.”