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Ex-president Trump has once again announced he would influence FIFA to pull upcoming World Cup games from a venue based on that city's politics, with the Boston region becoming the third such city to face such warnings from the US president. Furthermore, Trump indicated he would contemplate similar action against Southern California for the 2028 Summer Games due to perceived security concerns.

Legal Authority and Possible Pressure

Although Trump does not have official jurisdiction to unilaterally remove either tournament, he may apply pressure the respective governing bodies in charge of each tournament to change venues.

Context of Remarks

His comments were made during a media briefing with Javier Milei, who was at the White House following the disclosure of a $20 billion rescue package for the South American economy. Near the end of the event, a journalist inquired Trump about a current unauthorized gathering in Boston where police officers were assaulted and a police vehicle was ignited. The journalist also questioned if these incidents could result in the revocation of hosting duties for the 48-team soccer tournament.

“I would take them away,” Trump stated regarding the FIFA World Cup matches, planned to be held at the Foxborough venue. “She is ineffective … she is radical left, and they are dominating areas of Boston. That is a significant statement, right?”

Public Gatherings and Public Safety Concerns

Street takeovers, a social media-driven phenomenon where large crowds congregate on city streets after dark to engage in dangerous driving, have become a repeated nuisance in American cities since the lockdown shutdowns. Latest similar events have escalated into violence in the region, notably in downtown. Nevertheless, these occurrences are typically not regarded as tied to any particular political ideology.

“In cases where someone is performing poorly, and I feel there are unsafe conditions, I will call the FIFA head, who is phenomenal, and say let’s move it to an alternate venue,” he said on Tuesday. “And he would do that. He wouldn’t love the action, but he would comply. Readily, he'd comply.”

Political Connections

The organization's head has made no secret his strategies to be closely connected with the former president prior to the 2026 event, set to be organized in multiple US locations across the America along with two in the northern neighbor and a few in Mexico. The organization's leader has been present at multiple presidential gatherings, had Trump hand over the FIFA club award after that tournament’s final, and has even delayed his the group's assembly to accompany Trump on a visit to the Middle East this year.

Past Statements

Despite this, Trump from suggesting the relocation of World Cup matches from different locations. In late September, the Washington city and San Francisco came under similar statements, with Trump stating both cities were “governed by ideological activists who don’t know what they are doing,” while questioning the safety level of both locales and suggesting that games could be shifted.

Official Rebuttal

Victor Montagliani rebuffed Trump’s claims when he reacted subsequently at a gathering in England.

“It is our competition, our responsibility, the organization determines such choices,” Montagliani declared. “With all due respect to current world leaders, the sport is transcends any individual and the game will endure their tenure and their government. That is the essence of this sport, that it is transcends one leader and bigger than a nation.”

LA Games Warning

During the event, Trump’s response to a question about Boston included a comparable warning regarding the upcoming Summer Games.

“When I perceived LA was failing to be adequately ready, I'd relocate it to a different city if necessary,” Trump stated. “For the Olympics I’d probably have to secure a alternative consent, but we would do that.”

Any approval Trump refers to would have to come via the Olympic governing body. Their president, Kirsty Coventry, was chosen to her position in March and has yet to meet publicly with him, although she stated that she hopes for a discussion with Trump at eventually.

Further Comments

Trump also condemned the state's leader Newsom’s response of recent LA wildfires, stating that a similar situation could result in the relocation of the event.

“In case Newsom refuses to cooperate, we will have to be strict,” Trump commented.

His message was similarly unambiguous for Boston.

“The city should clean up their act,” he said. “That’s all I can say.”