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Ex-president Trump has yet again announced he would pressure FIFA to pull 2026 World Cup games from a host city based on that city's governance, with Boston now being the latest urban area to face such threats from the White House. Moreover, Trump suggested he would evaluate parallel steps against Southern California for the upcoming Olympic Games due to perceived security concerns.

Jurisdictional Limits and Possible Pressure

Even though Trump does not have direct legal authority to personally cancel either tournament, he can apply pressure the organizing committees overseeing each tournament to change locations.

Background of Comments

These comments were made during a media briefing with Javier Milei, who was at the presidential residence following the revelation of a $20 billion financial assistance for the Argentine economy. Near the conclusion of the event, a journalist asked Trump about a latest “street takeover” in Boston where law enforcement were assaulted and a police vehicle was burned. The journalist also wondered if such events could cause the revocation of tournament responsibilities for the expanded soccer tournament.

“I would take them away,” the former president stated regarding the soccer fixtures, scheduled to be held at the Massachusetts arena. “Their mayor is poor … she is far-left, and they are taking over sections of Boston. That’s a major claim, right?”

Street Takeovers and Political Context

Unauthorized gatherings, a digitally organized phenomenon where participants congregate on public avenues late at night to perform stunts, have been a repeated nuisance in metropolitan centers since the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. Current similar events have turned violent in the state, including Boston. Nevertheless, these gatherings are typically not considered tied to any distinct partisan agenda.

“When a mayor is doing a bad job, and I perceive there are security risks, I would call Gianni [Infantino], who is excellent, and say we should relocate it to a different city,” Trump stated on Tuesday. “And he would do that. He wouldn’t love the action, but he'd agree. Without hesitation, he’d do it.”

Political Connections

FIFA President has made no secret his attempts to be publicly aligned with the former president prior to the upcoming World Cup, planned to be staged in multiple US locations across the US along with several in Canada and three in Mexico. The organization's leader has participated at various White House events, had Trump present the club tournament trophy after the concluding game, and has even delayed his the group's assembly to accompany Trump on a visit to the Gulf states this year.

Earlier Warnings

This has not stopped, Trump from warning about the removal of soccer games from different locations. On September 25, the Washington city and San Francisco came under parallel statements, with Trump asserting both urban centers were “led by ideological activists who lack understanding what they are doing,” while criticizing the safety level of both locales and implying that events could be removed.

Organizational Statement

The organization's deputy Montagliani rejected Trump’s statements when he responded afterward at a event in the UK capital.

“It is our competition, our responsibility, the organization determines those decisions,” Montagliani declared. “With all due respect to current world leaders, the sport is transcends political figures and the game will survive their tenure and their leadership. It's the essence of football, that it is bigger than any individual and bigger than individual states.”

Olympics Threat

On Tuesday, Trump’s answer to a question about Boston veered into a parallel statement regarding the LA Olympic event.

“In case I thought LA was not going to be adequately ready, I will shift it to a different city if I had to,” he remarked. “For the Olympics I may have to get a varying permission, but we would take that action.”

The permission Trump mentioned would must come via the Olympic governing body. The leader, Kirsty Coventry, was chosen to her role in this year and has so far not hold a public appearance with the former president, although she stated that she desires a sit-down with him at eventually.

Other Remarks

Trump also questioned Gavin Newsom’s handling of recent LA wildfires, stating that a similar situation could cause the cancellation of the Games.

“When the governor is uncooperative, we’re gonna have to be firm,” Trump commented.

His message was equally clear for Boston.

“The city must improve their situation,” he said. “That’s all I can say.”