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Ex-president Trump has once again stated he would pressure FIFA to relocate upcoming World Cup games from a host city based on the local governance, with the Boston region now being the latest urban area to face such threats from the White House. Furthermore, Trump remarked he would contemplate comparable measures against Southern California for the upcoming Olympic Games due to possible safety issues.

Official Power and Possible Pressure

Although Trump holds no official jurisdiction to personally cancel either event, he is able to exert influence the international organizations in charge of each competition to shift venues.

Background of Comments

The comments were made during a media briefing with Javier Milei, who was at the presidential residence following the announcement of a massive bailout for the Latin American country. Near the end of the meeting, a media member inquired Trump about a latest “street takeover” in the city where law enforcement were targeted and a cruiser was ignited. The correspondent also questioned if such events could lead to the revocation of organizing rights for the expanded World Cup.

“We could take them away,” he stated regarding the World Cup fixtures, set to be staged at Gillette Stadium. “She is poor … they're far-left, and they’re taking over parts of downtown. That is a significant claim, isn't it?”

Public Gatherings and Ideological Perceptions

Unauthorized gatherings, a social media-driven trend where participants assemble on public avenues late at night to engage in dangerous driving, have been a repeated nuisance in American cities since the lockdown shutdowns. Latest similar events have become aggressive in Massachusetts, notably in Boston. Nevertheless, these occurrences are usually not seen as associated with any particular ideological group.

“In cases where someone is performing poorly, and I perceive there are security risks, I'd call the organization's president, who is excellent, and suggest it should be shifted to an alternate venue,” Trump stated publicly. “He will do that. He may not enjoy to do it, but he'd agree. Readily, he’d do it.”

Political Connections

The organization's head has publicly acknowledged his attempts to be closely connected with the US leader prior to the 2026 event, set to be staged in 11 cities across the US along with a couple in Canada and multiple in the southern neighbor. The organization's leader has been present at multiple Oval Office gatherings, had Trump present the club tournament award after the championship match, and has even delayed his own organization’s congress to join Trump on a trip to the Middle East previously.

Past Statements

Despite this, Trump from threatening the removal of World Cup matches from different locations. On September 25, the Washington city and the Bay Area metropolis came under comparable criticism, with Trump asserting both locations were “governed by far-left extremists who lack understanding what they are doing,” while criticizing the security conditions of both locales and implying that matches could be relocated.

Organizational Statement

Victor Montagliani rebuffed Trump’s claims when he commented days later at a conference in England.

“It is the organization's event, our responsibility, the organization determines these matters,” the vice-president said. “Politely to current world leaders, soccer is transcends political figures and the game will endure their tenure and their leadership. That is the essence of this sport, that it is more significant than a single person and beyond a nation.”

LA Games Warning

On Tuesday, Trump’s response to a query about the Massachusetts city extended to a parallel statement regarding the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“If I thought LA was not prepared properly, I will relocate it to another location as needed,” he said. “On that one I may have to secure a different kind of permission, but we would take that action.”

Official consent Trump mentioned would need to come via the IOC. Their head, she, was elected to her position in March and has so far not hold a public appearance with the former president, although she stated that she desires a sit-down with Trump at a future time.

Further Comments

The former president also criticized California governor Newsom’s response of this year’s blazes, saying that a comparable scenario could cause the cancellation of the Games.

“When Newsom doesn’t play ball, we are going to have to be strict,” Trump commented.

The warning was just as direct for the Massachusetts city.

“Boston must clean up their act,” he said. “That’s all I can say.”