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Former President Trump has once again announced he would influence FIFA to remove 2026 World Cup matches from a venue based on the local governance, with the Boston region now being the latest targeted location to face such statements from the US president. Moreover, Trump indicated he would consider similar action against Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Games due to potential safety issues.

Official Power and Informal Leverage

Even though Trump does not have direct legal authority to directly relocate either tournament, he can lobby the respective governing bodies in charge of each tournament to shift venues.

Setting for Statements

His comments were made during a news conference with Argentina's leader Milei, who was present in the presidential residence following the revelation of a $20 billion financial assistance for the Latin American nation. At the close of the gathering, a journalist inquired Trump about a recent unauthorized gathering in downtown Boston where police officers were attacked and a police vehicle was burned. The correspondent also questioned if these incidents could result in the loss of tournament responsibilities for the 48-team football competition.

“It's possible to take them away,” Trump remarked concerning the soccer games, planned to be staged at Gillette Stadium. “She is ineffective … she’s extremist, and activists are occupying areas of the city. That is a major statement, isn't it?”

Street Takeovers and Ideological Perceptions

Public disruptions, a digitally organized trend where participants congregate on public avenues during nighttime to perform stunts, have been a frequent problem in US urban areas since the lockdown shutdowns. Recent such gatherings have escalated into violence in the state, including Boston. However, these occurrences are usually not seen as associated with any specific political ideology.

“In cases where someone is doing a bad job, and I perceive exist dangerous circumstances, I would call the organization's president, who is outstanding, and tell him we should relocate it to another location,” he commented publicly. “And he would do that. He may not enjoy the action, but he’d do it. Without hesitation, he would.”

FIFA Relationship

Gianni Infantino has been open his strategies to be closely connected with the former president ahead of the 2026 event, set to be hosted in multiple US locations across the United States along with a couple in the northern neighbor and three in the southern neighbor. The organization's leader has appeared at multiple presidential functions, arranged for Trump present the club tournament cup after that tournament’s final, and has even delayed his FIFA's internal meeting to join Trump on a trip to the Arab region this year.

Past Statements

Despite this, Trump from threatening the relocation of World Cup matches from additional American venues. In late September, Seattle and the Bay Area metropolis came under comparable criticism, with Trump claiming both locations were “run by ideological activists who lack understanding what they’re doing,” while challenging the safety level of both cities and implying that games could be relocated.

FIFA Response

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

“This is the organization's event, our responsibility, the organization determines these matters,” the vice-president stated. “Respectfully to current world leaders, football is more important than any individual and the game will outlast their administration and their leadership. That’s the strength of our game, that it is more significant than one leader and bigger than any country.”

LA Games Warning

Similarly, Trump’s response to a question about the Massachusetts city extended to a similar threat regarding the upcoming Summer Games.

“When I believed Los Angeles was not sufficiently organized, I would move it to another location as needed,” he remarked. “Regarding that event I might have to obtain a different kind of consent, but we will take that action.”

The permission Trump mentioned would have to come through the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The leader, she, was elected to her position in March and has yet to meet publicly with him, though she said that she desires a meeting with him at some point.

Further Comments

The former president also questioned Gavin Newsom’s management of this year’s blazes, stating that a comparable scenario could result in the relocation of the event.

“When the governor is uncooperative, we will have to be very tough,” the former president stated.

His message was just as clear for Boston.

“Boston should improve their situation,” he remarked. “It's my message.”