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Former President Trump has repeatedly declared he would urge FIFA to remove upcoming World Cup events from a host city based on that city's governance, with Massachusetts now being the latest such city to encounter such warnings from the American leader. Additionally, Trump suggested he would evaluate parallel steps against Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Games due to perceived security concerns.

Official Power and Possible Pressure

Even though Trump lacks formal power to unilaterally remove either event, he can exert influence the organizing committees overseeing each competition to change locations.

Context of Remarks

His remarks were made during a press event with Argentina's leader Milei, who was at the executive mansion following the disclosure of a massive rescue package for the Latin American country. Toward the end of the gathering, a reporter questioned Trump about a current public disturbance in downtown Boston where police officers were assaulted and a police vehicle was set on fire. The journalist also questioned if the situation could lead to the removal of tournament responsibilities for the 48-team football competition.

“We could take them away,” Trump said regarding the soccer fixtures, planned to be hosted at the Foxborough venue. “Their mayor is poor … she is extremist, and activists are taking over parts of Boston. It's a pretty big statement, right?”

Street Takeovers and Political Context

Street takeovers, a online-fueled occurrence where groups of people congregate on urban roads during nighttime to engage in dangerous driving, have become a frequent problem in US urban areas since the coronavirus restrictions. Current similar events have escalated into violence in Massachusetts, notably in Boston. However, these occurrences are generally not regarded as tied to any particular political ideology.

“If someone is performing poorly, and I feel exist dangerous circumstances, I would call the FIFA head, who is phenomenal, and tell him we should relocate it to another location,” Trump said during the event. “He will do that. He may not enjoy doing it, but he’d do it. Readily, he would.”

Organizational Alignment

FIFA President has publicly acknowledged his efforts to be closely connected with the US leader ahead of the 2026 event, set to be staged in multiple US locations across the US along with two in the northern neighbor and a few in the southern neighbor. The head has participated at various presidential gatherings, facilitated Trump hand over the club tournament trophy after the concluding game, and has even delayed his the group's assembly to join Trump on a visit to the Gulf states this year.

Earlier Warnings

Nevertheless, Trump from suggesting the relocation of World Cup matches from different locations. In late September, the Washington city and San Francisco were similar statements, with Trump claiming both urban centers were “run by ideological activists who are clueless what they're managing,” while questioning the security conditions of both cities and implying that events could be removed.

FIFA Response

Victor Montagliani dismissed Trump’s statements when he commented afterward at a event in London.

“This is FIFA’s tournament, FIFA’s jurisdiction, we decide these matters,” he stated. “Respectfully to national heads, the sport is transcends political figures and the game will outlast their administration and their policies. That is the strength of this sport, that it is more significant than one leader and beyond any country.”

LA Games Warning

Similarly, Trump’s reply to a question about the Massachusetts city included a comparable warning regarding the upcoming Summer Games.

“When I perceived Los Angeles was failing to be prepared properly, I will relocate it to another location as needed,” he remarked. “On that one I might have to secure a alternative consent, but we would take that action.”

Any approval Trump mentioned would need to come through the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Their leader, the newly elected president, was selected to her position in March and has not yet meet publicly with him, though she stated that she desires a sit-down with Trump at some point.

Additional Criticism

He also criticized the state's leader Newsom’s management of the California fires, stating that a comparable scenario could result in the relocation of the Games.

“In case he refuses to cooperate, we’re gonna have to be strict,” Trump stated.

The warning was just as unambiguous for Boston.

“They better address these issues,” he remarked. “That’s all I will say.”