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Ex-president Trump has repeatedly announced he would urge FIFA to pull upcoming World Cup events from a designated city based on the local politics, with Boston now being the latest such city to encounter such warnings from the American leader. Additionally, Trump indicated he would consider comparable measures against LA for the 2028 Summer Games due to potential public safety risks.

Jurisdictional Limits and Potential Influence

While Trump holds no direct legal authority to unilaterally remove either competition, he may lobby the international organizations overseeing each competition to change venues.

Setting for Statements

His remarks were made during a press event with Javier Milei, who was visiting the White House following the revelation of a multibillion-dollar rescue package for the Argentine nation. Toward the close of the gathering, a reporter asked Trump about a current unauthorized gathering in Boston where law enforcement were assaulted and a patrol car was ignited. The reporter also asked if the situation could lead to the revocation of tournament responsibilities for the expanded World Cup.

“It's possible to take them away,” Trump stated concerning the FIFA World Cup matches, scheduled to be hosted at the Foxborough venue. “Their mayor is poor … she is extremist, and they’re taking over parts of the city. That is a significant statement, don't you think?”

Street Takeovers and Political Context

Street takeovers, a digitally organized phenomenon where participants congregate on urban roads late at night to engage in dangerous driving, have emerged as a frequent nuisance in metropolitan centers since the coronavirus restrictions. Current similar events have become aggressive in the state, notably in the city. However, these events are generally not regarded as associated with any specific ideological group.

“In cases where a city is failing, and I perceive there’s dangerous circumstances, I will call the organization's president, who is phenomenal, and suggest let’s move it to an alternate venue,” Trump stated during the event. “And he would do that. He may not enjoy to do it, but he'd agree. Without hesitation, he'd comply.”

Political Connections

The organization's head has been open his attempts to be closely connected with Trump prior to next year’s tournament, planned to be organized in multiple US locations across the America along with two in Canada and a few in the southern neighbor. The head has appeared at several White House events, facilitated Trump present the club tournament award after the concluding game, and has even rescheduled his FIFA's internal meeting to accompany Trump on a journey to the Middle East earlier in 2025.

Earlier Warnings

Despite this, Trump from threatening the cancellation of soccer events from other US host cities. On September 25, Seattle and the Bay Area metropolis faced parallel criticism, with Trump stating both locations were “governed by far-left extremists who lack understanding what they’re doing,” while criticizing the safety level of both cities and claiming that games could be relocated.

Official Rebuttal

Victor Montagliani dismissed Trump’s assertions when he responded days later at a conference in the UK capital.

“It’s our competition, under our authority, we decide such choices,” he said. “With all due respect to sitting presidents, football is more important than political figures and football will survive their tenure and their leadership. That is the beauty of this sport, that it is more significant than any individual and bigger than any country.”

LA Games Warning

Similarly, Trump’s response to a question about the Massachusetts city included a parallel statement regarding the LA Olympic event.

“When I thought the city was not going to be prepared properly, I will relocate it to a different city if necessary,” he remarked. “On that one I may have to get a varying approval, but we'd proceed.”

Official consent Trump mentioned would have to come from the Olympic governing body. The head, Kirsty Coventry, was chosen to her role in spring and has yet to appear together with him, though she stated that she hopes for a sit-down with him at eventually.

Other Remarks

Trump also condemned California governor Newsom’s response of this year’s blazes, remarking that a comparable scenario could cause the cancellation of the Games.

“In case he is uncooperative, we’re gonna have to be firm,” the former president said.

His statement was equally direct for the Massachusetts city.

“The city must clean up their act,” he said. “That is my message.”