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Ex-president Trump has yet again declared he would pressure FIFA to pull upcoming World Cup events from a host city based on that city's politics, with Boston becoming the latest targeted location to face such warnings from the American leader. Moreover, Trump remarked he would consider parallel steps against Southern California for the 2028 Olympics due to possible security concerns.

Jurisdictional Limits and Possible Pressure

While Trump lacks direct legal authority to personally cancel either competition, he can lobby the international organizations overseeing each tournament to shift host cities.

Setting for Statements

The comments were made during a press event with Javier Milei, who was visiting the presidential residence following the announcement of a massive bailout for the Argentine nation. Toward the conclusion of the gathering, a reporter inquired Trump about a latest “street takeover” in Boston where law enforcement were assaulted and a cruiser was set on fire. The correspondent also asked if such events could result in the revocation of organizing rights for the 48-team World Cup.

“We could take them away,” the former president stated concerning the FIFA World Cup games, planned to be held at Gillette Stadium. “The city's leader is poor … she’s far-left, and they’re dominating sections of the city. That’s a pretty big statement, right?”

Urban Disturbances and Ideological Perceptions

Unauthorized gatherings, a digitally organized phenomenon where large crowds gather on city streets late at night to engage in dangerous driving, have been a ongoing issue in American cities since the coronavirus closures. Recent incidents have turned violent in the state, specifically in downtown. However, these events are typically not regarded as tied to any specific partisan agenda.

“In cases where someone is doing a bad job, and I believe there’s security risks, I will call Gianni [Infantino], who is outstanding, and say let’s move it to a different city,” he said during the event. “He'd do that. He might not prefer the action, but he’d do it. Readily, he would.”

Organizational Alignment

FIFA President has publicly acknowledged his efforts to be closely connected with Trump prior to the 2026 event, scheduled to be staged in multiple US locations across the US along with a couple in the northern neighbor and three in Mexico. The FIFA president has been present at multiple Oval Office functions, facilitated Trump present the Club World Cup award after that tournament’s final, and has even rescheduled his own organization’s congress to join Trump on a visit to the Arab region previously.

Earlier Warnings

Nevertheless, Trump from suggesting the relocation of soccer events from additional American venues. Recently, the Washington city and San Francisco faced parallel statements, with Trump asserting both cities were “run by ideological activists who are clueless what they’re doing,” while questioning the safety level of both cities and suggesting that games could be removed.

Organizational Statement

Victor Montagliani rejected Trump’s claims when he reacted afterward at a gathering in London.

“It’s the organization's event, FIFA’s jurisdiction, the organization determines such choices,” Montagliani stated. “Respectfully to sitting presidents, soccer is more important than them and football will outlast their tenure and their government. That is the essence of this sport, that it is more significant than a single person and more important than individual states.”

Olympics Threat

On Tuesday, Trump’s answer to a inquiry about the Massachusetts city included a similar threat regarding the upcoming Summer Games.

“When I perceived LA was not prepared properly, I'd shift it to an alternate venue if necessary,” he remarked. “On that one I might have to obtain a varying consent, but we will do that.”

Official consent Trump alluded to would must come via the Olympic governing body. The president, she, was chosen to her post in March and has not yet appear together with Trump, but she said that she hopes for a meeting with Trump at some point.

Further Comments

Trump also condemned California governor Newsom’s handling of the blazes, remarking that a comparable scenario could lead to the removal of the Games.

“In case Newsom doesn’t play ball, we are going to have to be strict,” the former president commented.

His statement was similarly clear for the Massachusetts city.

“They should clean up their act,” Trump stated. “That is I will say.”