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Donald Trump has yet again announced he would urge FIFA to relocate 2026 World Cup events from a venue based on that city's political climate, with Massachusetts emerging as the latest targeted location to encounter such warnings from the US president. Additionally, Trump suggested he would evaluate parallel steps against LA for the upcoming Olympic Games due to potential security concerns.

Jurisdictional Limits and Potential Influence

Although Trump holds no official jurisdiction to unilaterally remove either tournament, he is able to apply pressure the respective governing bodies overseeing each competition to change locations.

Setting for Statements

These remarks were made during a news conference with Argentina's leader Milei, who was at the White House following the disclosure of a $20 billion financial assistance for the South American economy. Toward the conclusion of the event, a media member questioned Trump about a recent “street takeover” in Boston where police officers were targeted and a patrol car was burned. The correspondent also questioned if such events could lead to the removal of hosting duties for the larger soccer tournament.

“We could take them away,” he stated concerning the soccer fixtures, set to be staged at the Massachusetts arena. “She is ineffective … she is far-left, and activists are dominating sections of downtown. That is a pretty big statement, don't you think?”

Street Takeovers and Political Context

Public disruptions, a social media-driven phenomenon where large crowds congregate on public avenues late at night to engage in dangerous driving, have become a repeated issue in metropolitan centers since the coronavirus closures. Latest incidents have escalated into violence in the state, notably in the city. Yet, these events are usually not regarded as associated with any distinct political ideology.

“If a city is failing, and I feel there are security risks, I will call the FIFA head, who is phenomenal, and tell him it should be shifted to an alternate venue,” the former president stated on Tuesday. “He'd do that. He may not enjoy to do it, but he would comply. Without hesitation, he'd comply.”

Political Connections

FIFA President has made no secret his strategies to be closely connected with Trump ahead of the 2026 event, set to be staged in 11 cities across the US along with two in Canada and multiple in Mexico. The head has participated at multiple Oval Office functions, arranged for Trump hand over the FIFA club award after the concluding game, and has even postponed his FIFA's internal meeting to travel with Trump on a visit to the Gulf states previously.

Previous Threats

This has not stopped, Trump from suggesting the cancellation of World Cup events from other US host cities. Recently, the Washington city and San Francisco came under parallel statements, with Trump claiming both cities were “run by ideological activists who lack understanding what they’re doing,” while challenging the security conditions of both locales and implying that matches could be removed.

FIFA Response

Victor Montagliani rejected Trump’s statements when he responded afterward at a gathering in the UK capital.

“It is FIFA’s tournament, our responsibility, the organization determines those decisions,” the vice-president said. “With all due respect to current world leaders, football is transcends political figures and football will endure their regime and their leadership. It's the strength of this sport, that it is more significant than a single person and bigger than any country.”

LA Games Warning

Similarly, Trump’s reply to a question about Boston included a comparable warning regarding the LA Olympic event.

“When I thought the city was not prepared properly, I would move it to a different city if necessary,” Trump stated. “Regarding that event I may have to get a alternative consent, but we'd do that.”

The permission Trump alluded to would have to come via the Olympic governing body. Their head, she, was chosen to her post in March and has not yet appear together with him, but she indicated that she hopes for a discussion with Trump at some point.

Other Remarks

The former president also criticized California governor Newsom’s response of the blazes, stating that a parallel incident could result in the removal of the Olympics.

“In case he doesn’t play ball, we will have to be strict,” he commented.

The warning was equally direct for Boston.

“The city should improve their situation,” he said. “That is I can say.”