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Former President Trump has repeatedly stated he would influence FIFA to remove upcoming World Cup events from a venue based on municipal governance, with the Boston region emerging as the latest targeted location to receive such warnings from the American leader. Moreover, Trump suggested he would consider parallel steps against LA for the 2028 Olympics due to potential public safety risks.

Official Power and Possible Pressure

Even though Trump does not have formal power to personally cancel either tournament, he can lobby the respective governing bodies managing each tournament to shift venues.

Context of Remarks

These remarks were made during a media briefing with Argentinian president Milei, who was present in the executive mansion following the revelation of a $20 billion bailout for the South American nation. Toward the close of the meeting, a media member questioned Trump about a current “street takeover” in downtown Boston where police officers were targeted and a police vehicle was ignited. The journalist also asked if the situation could result in the revocation of tournament responsibilities for the 48-team football competition.

“It's possible to take them away,” the former president stated concerning the FIFA World Cup matches, set to be held at the Foxborough venue. “The city's leader is poor … she is far-left, and they are taking over parts of Boston. That is a pretty big assertion, don't you think?”

Urban Disturbances and Ideological Perceptions

Unauthorized gatherings, a online-fueled trend where participants assemble on public avenues during nighttime to perform stunts, have been a frequent nuisance in American cities since the coronavirus closures. Recent incidents have become aggressive in Massachusetts, including downtown. However, these gatherings are generally not considered linked to any distinct political ideology.

“When a city is doing a bad job, and I perceive there are dangerous circumstances, I'd call the FIFA head, who is outstanding, and tell him we should relocate it to another location,” the former president commented publicly. “He'd do that. He might not prefer doing it, but he’d do it. Without hesitation, he’d do it.”

FIFA Relationship

FIFA President has been open his attempts to be closely connected with the former president prior to the 2026 event, scheduled to be hosted in numerous American venues across the US along with several in Canada and a few in the southern neighbor. The organization's leader has appeared at multiple presidential events, facilitated Trump hand over the Club World Cup cup after that tournament’s final, and has even postponed his the group's assembly to accompany Trump on a journey to the Middle East this year.

Past Statements

Nevertheless, Trump from warning about the relocation of FIFA World Cup matches from different locations. In late September, the Washington city and the Bay Area metropolis came under parallel statements, with Trump stating both urban centers were “led by radical left lunatics who lack understanding what they're managing,” while questioning the security conditions of both areas and claiming that events could be shifted.

Official Rebuttal

Victor Montagliani rebuffed Trump’s claims when he responded days later at a conference in London.

“It’s the organization's event, FIFA’s jurisdiction, FIFA makes such choices,” he declared. “With all due respect to sitting presidents, football is more important than them and soccer will survive their regime and their government. It's the essence of football, that it is bigger than one leader and more important than a nation.”

Olympics Threat

Similarly, Trump’s reply to a question about the Massachusetts city extended to a similar threat regarding the LA Olympic event.

“If I believed LA was not adequately ready, I would shift it to a different city if necessary,” he remarked. “For the Olympics I might have to obtain a different kind of approval, but we'd take that action.”

Any approval Trump alluded to would must come through the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The president, Kirsty Coventry, was elected to her position in this year and has not yet hold a public appearance with the former president, though she said that she hopes for a sit-down with the US figure at eventually.

Additional Criticism

Trump also questioned California governor Newsom’s management of the California fires, remarking that a comparable scenario could result in the cancellation of the Olympics.

“When he refuses to cooperate, we will have to be firm,” Trump said.

His statement was similarly unambiguous for the Massachusetts city.

“They better clean up their act,” Trump stated. “That’s all my message.”