Trump Escalates Feud with US Cities, Threatens World Cup & Olympics in Bold Political Move
WASHINGTON D.C. – In a stunning escalation of his ongoing conflict with democratically governed US cities, former President Donald Trump has publicly threatened to strip those cities of their hosting privileges for both the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The move, revealed Tuesday at the White House, appears to be a direct attempt to leverage the prestige of these international events as political pressure, particularly concerning the deployment of National Guard troops.
World Cup Hostage? Trump’s FIFA Gambit
Trump specifically named Boston as a potential target for removal as a World Cup host city, citing concerns over “escalating crime” and labeling Boston Mayor Michelle Wu as “radically left-wing.” He boldly asserted he would personally contact FIFA President Gianni Infantino to advocate for a venue change. “If someone is doing a bad job and I feel that the conditions are unsafe, then I would call Gianni, the phenomenal head of Fifa, and I would say: ‘Let’s move it somewhere else.’ And he would do it,” Trump stated. He even suggested Infantino, despite potential reluctance, would comply “in a heartbeat.”
This isn’t simply idle talk. Trump has been pushing for months to deploy National Guard troops to these cities – a power typically reserved for state governors – ostensibly to address crime. The World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico next summer (June 11 – July 19), features eleven US host cities, including Los Angeles. The potential disruption to the tournament, just eight months away, is significant. FIFA officials have yet to issue a formal response, but a contract exists between the cities and FIFA, making a last-minute relocation incredibly complex.
Beyond Soccer: Threatening the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
The scope of Trump’s threats extends beyond the World Cup. He also indicated he would consider requesting a venue change for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles if the city isn’t “adequately prepared.” While acknowledging the process for altering Olympic venues differs from the World Cup, he confidently stated, “but we would do it.” This raises serious questions about the stability of long-term planning for major international sporting events under shifting political landscapes.
Infantino’s Close Ties and a Pattern of Political Engagement
The situation is further complicated by the well-documented close relationship between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump. Infantino’s recent attendance at a US-arranged peace declaration ceremony in Egypt, alongside Trump, has fueled criticism that he is becoming increasingly entangled in global politics. Critics argue this closeness risks compromising FIFA’s neutrality and potentially aligns the organization with governments that don’t uphold democratic values. Infantino has consistently emphasized football’s unifying power, but his actions suggest a willingness to engage with political figures on a level rarely seen for a sports administrator.
Evergreen Context: The Politicization of Sport – The use of sporting events as political leverage isn’t new. From the 1980 Moscow Olympics boycott to ongoing debates about hosting rights in countries with questionable human rights records, sport has long been a stage for political statements. However, Trump’s direct threat to re-allocate events within the US based on disagreements with local governance represents a particularly aggressive and unprecedented approach. This raises fundamental questions about the independence of international sporting organizations and the potential for political interference in events designed to transcend national boundaries.
FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani has emphasized that the decision-making power regarding host cities rests with FIFA, stating, “It is a Fifa tournament, Fifa’s responsibility, Fifa makes these decisions.” However, the pressure exerted by a former President with a demonstrated willingness to challenge established norms cannot be easily dismissed.
The unfolding situation promises to be a major test for FIFA and a defining moment in the relationship between sports and politics in the United States. Stay tuned to archyde.com for the latest developments and in-depth analysis as this story continues to break.
