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Donald Trump has repeatedly announced he would urge FIFA to remove upcoming World Cup events from a venue based on the local politics, with Massachusetts emerging as the latest such city to receive such threats from the American leader. Furthermore, Trump indicated he would contemplate comparable measures against Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics due to possible public safety risks.

Legal Authority and Possible Pressure

While Trump does not have formal power to unilaterally remove either tournament, he may exert influence the organizing committees in charge of each competition to change venues.

Context of Remarks

His comments were made during a media briefing with Argentina's leader Milei, who was at the presidential residence following the disclosure of a $20 billion rescue package for the Latin American nation. Near the close of the gathering, a reporter inquired Trump about a latest unauthorized gathering in downtown Boston where authorities were attacked and a patrol car was burned. The journalist also questioned if the situation could lead to the loss of hosting duties for the expanded World Cup.

“I would take them away,” the former president said concerning the soccer matches, scheduled to be hosted at Gillette Stadium. “The city's leader is ineffective … they're radical left, and activists are occupying sections of downtown. It's a major statement, right?”

Public Gatherings and Political Context

Unauthorized gatherings, a social media-driven occurrence where participants congregate on urban roads late at night to perform stunts, have been a repeated nuisance in metropolitan centers since the lockdown restrictions. Current incidents have escalated into violence in Massachusetts, specifically in Boston. However, these gatherings are typically not seen as tied to any specific ideological group.

“In cases where a city is failing, and I perceive there are dangerous circumstances, I'd call Gianni [Infantino], who is excellent, and tell him let’s move it to a different city,” Trump said during the event. “And he would do that. He might not prefer the action, but he’d do it. Readily, he'd comply.”

Organizational Alignment

Gianni Infantino has made no secret his strategies to be publicly aligned with Trump prior to next year’s tournament, planned to be hosted in multiple US locations across the America along with two in Canada and multiple in the southern neighbor. The organization's leader has appeared at several Oval Office functions, facilitated Trump deliver the club tournament trophy after that tournament’s final, and has even rescheduled his own organization’s congress to accompany Trump on a visit to the Gulf states this year.

Past Statements

This has not stopped, Trump from suggesting the relocation of FIFA World Cup events from additional American venues. Recently, the Washington city and the Bay Area metropolis came under similar comments, with Trump claiming both cities were “governed by ideological activists who are clueless what they’re doing,” while challenging the safety level of both cities and suggesting that games could be shifted.

Official Rebuttal

Victor Montagliani dismissed Trump’s claims when he commented afterward at a event in London.

“This is FIFA’s tournament, our responsibility, the organization determines those decisions,” he stated. “With all due respect to sitting presidents, football is more important than political figures and soccer will survive their regime and their leadership. It's the essence of this sport, that it is transcends any individual and beyond individual states.”

Olympics Threat

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

“When I thought LA was not prepared properly, I would shift it to another location if necessary,” he remarked. “On that one I might have to obtain a alternative approval, but we'd do that.”

Any approval Trump refers to would have to come via the IOC. Their president, Kirsty Coventry, was selected to her position in March and has not yet meet publicly with Trump, but she said that she would like a meeting with him at a future time.

Additional Criticism

He also criticized California governor Newsom’s management of the blazes, stating that a similar situation could lead to the relocation of the event.

“In case the governor doesn’t play ball, we’re gonna have to be firm,” he commented.

His statement was just as unambiguous for the Massachusetts city.

“Boston better clean up their act,” he said. “That is I can say.”