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Donald Trump has yet again declared he would pressure FIFA to remove 2026 World Cup games from a venue based on the local governance, with Massachusetts becoming the third urban area to face such threats from the US president. Additionally, Trump remarked he would evaluate parallel steps against Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Games due to perceived safety issues.

Jurisdictional Limits and Possible Pressure

Although Trump does not have direct legal authority to directly relocate either competition, he can exert influence the respective governing bodies in charge of each competition to change venues.

Background of Comments

These statements were made during a news conference with Javier Milei, who was present in the presidential residence following the revelation of a massive financial assistance for the Latin American country. At the close of the meeting, a media member inquired Trump about a recent “street takeover” in Boston where law enforcement were assaulted and a patrol car was burned. The journalist also wondered if the situation could lead to the removal of hosting duties for the 48-team football competition.

“We could take them away,” Trump said about the soccer matches, planned to be hosted at Gillette Stadium. “The city's leader is not good … they're radical left, and they are taking over areas of downtown. That is a major claim, don't you think?”

Urban Disturbances and Political Context

Public disruptions, a digitally organized phenomenon where participants congregate on public avenues after dark to perform stunts, have emerged as a repeated nuisance in American cities since the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. Latest incidents have become aggressive in the state, notably in downtown. However, these gatherings are typically not seen as linked to any specific partisan agenda.

“If a city is doing a bad job, and I perceive there’s dangerous circumstances, I'd call Gianni [Infantino], who is phenomenal, and suggest let’s move it to another location,” Trump commented on Tuesday. “He'd do that. He wouldn’t love to do it, but he'd agree. Without hesitation, he’d do it.”

FIFA Relationship

FIFA President has made no secret his attempts to be visibly associated with the US leader prior to the 2026 event, scheduled to be organized in 11 cities across the US along with two in the northern neighbor and multiple in the southern neighbor. The head has participated at various Oval Office gatherings, had Trump deliver the club tournament trophy after the concluding game, and has even rescheduled his own organization’s congress to travel with Trump on a visit to the Arab region earlier in 2025.

Past Statements

This has not stopped, Trump from suggesting the removal of FIFA World Cup games from different locations. Recently, Seattle and San Francisco were comparable statements, with Trump asserting both locations were “governed by radical left lunatics who are clueless what they are doing,” while criticizing the safety level of both areas and suggesting that games could be shifted.

FIFA Response

Victor Montagliani rejected Trump’s assertions when he commented days later at a gathering in the UK capital.

“It is FIFA’s tournament, our responsibility, the organization determines such choices,” Montagliani declared. “With all due respect to sitting presidents, the sport is more important than political figures and soccer will outlast their regime and their policies. It's the essence of football, that it is transcends a single person and beyond a nation.”

LA Games Warning

During the event, Trump’s reply to a inquiry about Boston extended to a comparable warning regarding the upcoming Summer Games.

“If I thought LA was failing to be adequately ready, I would move it to a different city if necessary,” he said. “On that one I might have to obtain a different kind of consent, but we would proceed.”

The permission Trump alluded to would need to come through the Olympic governing body. The president, Kirsty Coventry, was chosen to her position in March and has not yet appear together with Trump, though she stated that she would like a discussion with him at some point.

Additional Criticism

Trump also condemned California governor Newsom’s handling of this year’s blazes, saying that a similar situation could lead to the cancellation of the Games.

“In case Newsom refuses to cooperate, we will have to be firm,” the former president said.

His statement was just as unambiguous for the Massachusetts city.

“They must address these issues,” he remarked. “It's I can say.”