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Donald Trump has once again stated he would influence FIFA to remove upcoming World Cup events from a venue based on that city's politics, with Massachusetts emerging as the third urban area to face such statements from the US president. Furthermore, Trump indicated he would consider parallel steps against Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics due to possible public safety risks.

Jurisdictional Limits and Possible Pressure

Even though Trump does not have official jurisdiction to unilaterally remove either competition, he may apply pressure the organizing committees overseeing each competition to move host cities.

Context of Remarks

These comments were made during a media briefing with Javier Milei, who was at the executive mansion following the revelation of a multibillion-dollar financial assistance for the South American economy. At the close of the event, a reporter questioned Trump about a recent “street takeover” in the city where authorities were assaulted and a cruiser was set on fire. The journalist also questioned if such events could cause the loss of tournament responsibilities for the larger World Cup.

“It's possible to take them away,” the former president said concerning the World Cup matches, planned to be held at the Massachusetts arena. “The city's leader is poor … they're far-left, and activists are occupying parts of downtown. That’s a pretty big statement, right?”

Public Gatherings and Public Safety Concerns

Public disruptions, a social media-driven phenomenon where large crowds assemble on public avenues after dark to engage in dangerous driving, have been a frequent problem in metropolitan centers since the Covid-19 pandemic shutdowns. Recent incidents have escalated into violence in Massachusetts, notably in downtown. Nevertheless, these events are generally not regarded as associated with any specific partisan agenda.

“If someone is performing poorly, and I perceive there’s dangerous circumstances, I'd call the organization's president, who is phenomenal, and tell him it should be shifted to another location,” the former president commented during the event. “He will do that. He wouldn’t love to do it, but he would comply. Readily, he would.”

Political Connections

Gianni Infantino has been open his attempts to be closely connected with the former president ahead of next year’s tournament, scheduled to be hosted in 11 cities across the United States along with two in Canada and three in the southern neighbor. The FIFA president has appeared at various White House events, facilitated Trump present the FIFA club cup after the championship match, and has even delayed his the group's assembly to join Trump on a visit to the Middle East this year.

Previous Threats

This has not stopped, Trump from suggesting the removal of soccer events from additional American venues. In late September, the Washington city and the Bay Area metropolis came under parallel statements, with Trump stating both cities were “governed by radical left lunatics who are clueless what they are doing,” while criticizing the safety level of both areas and claiming that events could be relocated.

Organizational Statement

The organization's deputy Montagliani rejected Trump’s assertions when he commented days later at a conference in the UK capital.

“It’s the organization's event, under our authority, the organization determines such choices,” the vice-president said. “With all due respect to current world leaders, football is transcends them and football will survive their regime and their policies. That’s the essence of this sport, that it is bigger than one leader and more important than a nation.”

LA Games Warning

On Tuesday, Trump’s response to a inquiry about the Massachusetts city included a comparable warning regarding the upcoming Summer Games.

“When I perceived LA was not going to be adequately ready, I would shift it to a different city if I had to,” Trump stated. “For the Olympics I may have to obtain a different kind of approval, but we'd take that action.”

The permission Trump refers to would need to come from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The head, Kirsty Coventry, was chosen to her position in March and has not yet meet publicly with the former president, but she said that she would like a meeting with him at a future time.

Additional Criticism

The former president also criticized California governor Newsom’s management of recent California fires, saying that a parallel incident could result in the cancellation of the Olympics.

“If he refuses to cooperate, we are going to have to be strict,” he stated.

The warning was just as direct for Boston.

“The city must improve their situation,” he said. “It's my message.”