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Ex-president Trump has once again declared he would pressure FIFA to remove 2026 World Cup matches from a venue based on the local political climate, with Massachusetts becoming the third such city to face such statements from the White House. Moreover, Trump indicated he would consider parallel steps against Southern California for the upcoming Olympic Games due to perceived safety issues.

Legal Authority and Possible Pressure

Even though Trump lacks official jurisdiction to unilaterally remove either tournament, he is able to apply pressure the respective governing bodies overseeing each tournament to move venues.

Background of Comments

His remarks were made during a news conference with Argentina's leader Milei, who was present in the White House following the announcement of a multibillion-dollar bailout for the Argentine country. At the end of the gathering, a journalist questioned Trump about a latest public disturbance in downtown Boston where authorities were attacked and a patrol car was set on fire. The correspondent also asked if these incidents could cause the loss of hosting duties for the larger World Cup.

“We could take them away,” the former president remarked about the FIFA World Cup games, set to be held at Gillette Stadium. “She is ineffective … she’s radical left, and activists are dominating parts of Boston. It's a major claim, don't you think?”

Public Gatherings and Public Safety Concerns

Public disruptions, a online-fueled phenomenon where large crowds gather on city streets after dark to conduct vehicular acrobatics, have emerged as a frequent issue in American cities since the coronavirus closures. Current such gatherings have turned violent in the region, specifically in the city. Nevertheless, these occurrences are typically not considered tied to any specific ideological group.

“If someone is performing poorly, and I believe there’s unsafe conditions, I'd call the organization's president, who is outstanding, and suggest we should relocate it to another location,” the former president commented publicly. “He'd do that. He wouldn’t love the action, but he would comply. Readily, he would.”

Organizational Alignment

The organization's head has made no secret his efforts to be visibly associated with the US leader ahead of the 2026 event, scheduled to be organized in numerous American venues across the America along with several in the northern neighbor and multiple in the southern neighbor. The organization's leader has appeared at several Oval Office events, facilitated Trump deliver the club tournament cup after the championship match, and has even delayed his own organization’s congress to join Trump on a journey to the Gulf states previously.

Past Statements

Despite this, Trump from threatening the relocation of World Cup matches from additional American venues. On September 25, Seattle and the Bay Area metropolis faced comparable comments, with Trump asserting both urban centers were “governed by radical left lunatics who lack understanding what they’re doing,” while criticizing the public safety of both areas and claiming that events could be relocated.

Official Rebuttal

Victor Montagliani rebuffed Trump’s assertions when he commented days later at a event in London.

“This is the organization's event, FIFA’s jurisdiction, FIFA makes those decisions,” Montagliani said. “Respectfully to sitting presidents, football is transcends political figures and football will survive their regime and their policies. That’s the strength of our game, that it is transcends one leader and bigger than any country.”

Olympics Threat

Similarly, Trump’s answer to a query about Boston extended to a parallel statement regarding the upcoming Summer Games.

“If I believed LA was not prepared properly, I would move it to a different city if necessary,” he said. “Regarding that event I may have to get a alternative permission, but we would proceed.”

The permission Trump mentioned would have to come via the IOC. Their president, Kirsty Coventry, was elected to her position in this year and has so far not hold a public appearance with the former president, although she stated that she hopes for a meeting with him at a future time.

Other Remarks

Trump also criticized California governor Newsom’s response of this year’s blazes, saying that a comparable scenario could cause the removal of the Games.

“When the governor is uncooperative, we are going to have to be firm,” the former president said.

The warning was equally clear for Boston.

“Boston better clean up their act,” Trump stated. “It's I will say.”