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Ex-president Trump has yet again declared he would urge FIFA to relocate upcoming World Cup matches from a venue based on municipal governance, with Massachusetts becoming the third urban area to receive such statements from the White House. Moreover, Trump indicated he would consider similar action against Los Angeles for the upcoming Olympic Games due to possible safety issues.

Jurisdictional Limits and Possible Pressure

While Trump holds no official jurisdiction to directly relocate either competition, he may apply pressure the organizing committees managing each tournament to change venues.

Background of Comments

His comments were made during a news conference with Argentinian president Milei, who was present in the presidential residence following the disclosure of a multibillion-dollar rescue package for the Latin American economy. Toward the close of the event, a journalist questioned Trump about a latest unauthorized gathering in Boston where police officers were attacked and a patrol car was burned. The correspondent also asked if these incidents could lead to the removal of hosting duties for the expanded World Cup.

“It's possible to take them away,” Trump remarked concerning the soccer matches, scheduled to be staged at the Foxborough venue. “She is ineffective … she is far-left, and they are dominating areas of the city. That is a major statement, isn't it?”

Urban Disturbances and Political Context

Street takeovers, a online-fueled trend where large crowds congregate on urban roads late at night to perform stunts, have become a frequent nuisance in US urban areas since the coronavirus shutdowns. Latest such gatherings have escalated into violence in the state, notably in the city. Yet, these gatherings are typically not seen as tied to any particular ideological group.

“If someone is doing a bad job, and I believe there’s security risks, I would call the organization's president, who is phenomenal, and say it should be shifted to an alternate venue,” Trump said on Tuesday. “He will do that. He may not enjoy the action, but he’d do it. Without hesitation, he'd comply.”

Political Connections

FIFA President has made no secret his strategies to be closely connected with the US leader ahead of the 2026 event, planned to be hosted in numerous American venues across the America along with several in Canada and a few in Mexico. The FIFA president has been present at several presidential events, 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 trip to the Arab region previously.

Earlier Warnings

Despite this, Trump from suggesting the removal of soccer events from additional American venues. Recently, the Washington city and the Bay Area metropolis were comparable comments, with Trump asserting both cities were “governed by radical left lunatics who lack understanding what they’re doing,” while questioning the safety level of both areas and claiming that events could be relocated.

Organizational Statement

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

“It is FIFA’s tournament, our responsibility, we decide these matters,” Montagliani declared. “Politely to national heads, soccer is transcends them and the game will survive their tenure and their leadership. That’s the strength of our game, that it is bigger than a single person and bigger than individual states.”

2028 Comments

During the event, Trump’s answer to a inquiry about the Massachusetts city extended to a parallel statement regarding the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“If I thought the city was failing to be adequately ready, I would move it to a different city if I had to,” Trump stated. “On that one I’d probably have to secure a alternative consent, but we'd do that.”

The permission Trump refers to would need to come through the IOC. Their head, Kirsty Coventry, was elected to her position in spring and has not yet appear together with the former president, although she indicated that she hopes for a sit-down with Trump at a future time.

Further Comments

Trump also questioned California governor Newsom’s management of the LA wildfires, remarking that a comparable scenario could result in the cancellation of the event.

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

His message was similarly direct for Boston.

“The city better address these issues,” he said. “That is my message.”