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Donald Trump has repeatedly stated he would pressure FIFA to relocate upcoming World Cup matches from a host city based on the local political climate, with the Boston region emerging as the most recent targeted location to encounter such threats from the White House. Additionally, Trump indicated he would contemplate comparable measures against Southern California for the 2028 Olympics due to potential security concerns.

Official Power and Potential Influence

Although Trump does not have direct legal authority to directly relocate either competition, he is able to apply pressure the international organizations managing each competition to change venues.

Setting for Statements

The remarks were made during a news conference with Argentinian president Milei, who was present in the presidential residence following the revelation of a massive bailout for the Latin American economy. Near the conclusion of the event, a media member inquired Trump about a current “street takeover” in the city where police officers were targeted and a police vehicle was burned. The journalist also asked if such events could lead to the removal of hosting duties for the expanded football competition.

“We could take them away,” the former president said regarding the World Cup matches, scheduled to be hosted at Gillette Stadium. “Their mayor is not good … they're radical left, and they are taking over areas of downtown. That’s a pretty big statement, isn't it?”

Street Takeovers and Public Safety Concerns

Unauthorized gatherings, a online-fueled occurrence where large crowds assemble on urban roads late at night to perform stunts, have been a ongoing nuisance in metropolitan centers since the Covid-19 pandemic closures. Recent similar events have become aggressive in Massachusetts, including downtown. Nevertheless, these gatherings are typically not regarded as linked to any distinct partisan agenda.

“If a city is doing a bad job, and I perceive there are unsafe conditions, I would call the FIFA head, who is phenomenal, and tell him we should relocate it to another location,” the former president stated publicly. “And he would do that. He may not enjoy the action, but he’d do it. Readily, he'd comply.”

Political Connections

FIFA President has publicly acknowledged his efforts to be closely connected with Trump prior to next year’s tournament, set to be staged in numerous American venues across the United States along with two in the northern neighbor and three in Mexico. The head has been present at various White House gatherings, arranged for Trump hand over the club tournament cup after the championship match, and has even rescheduled his FIFA's internal meeting to join Trump on a visit to the Middle East earlier in 2025.

Past Statements

Nevertheless, Trump from suggesting the relocation of soccer events from different locations. On September 25, the Washington city and the Bay Area metropolis came under parallel criticism, with Trump asserting both cities were “governed by ideological activists who lack understanding what they're managing,” while challenging the public safety of both areas and implying that matches could be removed.

Organizational Statement

The organization's deputy Montagliani dismissed Trump’s claims when he commented afterward at a gathering in England.

“It is our competition, our responsibility, FIFA makes these matters,” Montagliani said. “With all due respect to sitting presidents, football is transcends them and soccer will outlast their administration and their government. It's the essence of this sport, that it is more significant than any individual and bigger than any country.”

LA Games Warning

Similarly, Trump’s answer to a query about the Massachusetts city veered into a comparable warning regarding the upcoming Summer Games.

“If I thought Los Angeles was not going to be sufficiently organized, I would move it to another location if I had to,” he said. “Regarding that event I may have to obtain a varying approval, but we would proceed.”

Official consent Trump mentioned would need to come via the IOC. Their head, she, was selected to her role in March and has yet to appear together with Trump, although she stated that she would like a discussion with him at eventually.

Further Comments

The former president also criticized the state's leader Newsom’s response of recent California fires, remarking that a parallel incident could result in the cancellation of the Games.

“In case the governor doesn’t play ball, we will have to be very tough,” the former president stated.

His message was similarly unambiguous for the Massachusetts city.

“Boston better clean up their act,” Trump stated. “That’s all I can say.”