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Former President Trump has repeatedly declared he would pressure FIFA to relocate upcoming World Cup games from a venue based on municipal political climate, with Massachusetts becoming the third such city to face such threats from the American leader. Additionally, Trump indicated he would consider comparable measures against LA for the 2028 Olympics due to potential public safety risks.

Legal Authority and Informal Leverage

Even though Trump lacks official jurisdiction to directly relocate either competition, he is able to apply pressure the international organizations managing each tournament to change venues.

Setting for Statements

The statements were made during a media briefing with Javier Milei, who was at the executive mansion following the announcement of a $20 billion bailout for the South American economy. Toward the conclusion of the event, a journalist asked Trump about a latest “street takeover” in Boston where law enforcement were targeted and a cruiser was ignited. The correspondent also wondered if these incidents could cause the loss of hosting duties for the expanded soccer tournament.

“We could take them away,” the former president said concerning the soccer games, scheduled to be staged at Gillette Stadium. “She is ineffective … she’s extremist, and they are dominating sections of Boston. It's a pretty big claim, isn't it?”

Urban Disturbances and Public Safety Concerns

Public disruptions, a digitally organized trend where groups of people assemble on urban roads after dark to engage in dangerous driving, have emerged as a frequent problem in metropolitan centers since the coronavirus shutdowns. Current incidents have turned violent in the region, notably in downtown. Yet, these events are generally not considered linked to any particular ideological group.

“When a city is performing poorly, and I perceive exist security risks, I would call the FIFA head, who is outstanding, and say let’s move it to an alternate venue,” he stated publicly. “He will do that. He may not enjoy doing it, but he'd agree. Readily, he would.”

Organizational Alignment

Gianni Infantino has made no secret his efforts to be publicly aligned with Trump ahead of the 2026 event, scheduled to be organized in numerous American venues across the United States along with a couple in the northern neighbor and three in Mexico. The FIFA president has been present at multiple presidential functions, arranged for Trump deliver the FIFA club cup after that tournament’s final, and has even delayed his FIFA's internal meeting to accompany Trump on a visit to the Gulf states this year.

Past Statements

Despite this, Trump from threatening the cancellation of FIFA World Cup events from different locations. Recently, Seattle and the Bay Area metropolis came under comparable comments, with Trump stating both cities were “governed by far-left extremists who lack understanding what they are doing,” while questioning the security conditions of both cities and claiming that matches could be shifted.

FIFA Response

FIFA vice-president Montagliani dismissed Trump’s statements when he commented days later at a event in London.

“It is the organization's event, our responsibility, FIFA makes those decisions,” Montagliani declared. “With all due respect to sitting presidents, soccer is more important than them and soccer will outlast their tenure and their leadership. That is the essence of this sport, that it is more significant than any individual and beyond any country.”

2028 Comments

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

“When I believed LA was not sufficiently organized, I will shift it to an alternate venue if necessary,” Trump stated. “On that one I might have to secure a alternative permission, but we would do that.”

The permission Trump refers to would have to come from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The head, she, was selected to her position in March and has yet to hold a public appearance with him, but she said that she would like a meeting with him at some point.

Other Remarks

He also criticized the state's leader Newsom’s management of this year’s California fires, saying that a parallel incident could cause the relocation of the event.

“When Newsom refuses to cooperate, we will have to be firm,” he commented.

His statement was just as direct for the Massachusetts city.

“They better address these issues,” Trump stated. “That’s all I can say.”