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Ex-president Trump has repeatedly stated he would influence FIFA to pull upcoming World Cup events from a host city based on municipal political climate, with the Boston region emerging as the third targeted location to encounter such warnings from the American leader. Moreover, Trump suggested he would contemplate parallel steps against Southern California for the upcoming Olympic Games due to possible public safety risks.

Legal Authority and Possible Pressure

Even though Trump holds no official jurisdiction to directly relocate either tournament, he may exert influence the international organizations managing each competition to shift venues.

Background of Comments

These statements were made during a media briefing with Argentinian president Milei, who was visiting the presidential residence following the announcement of a $20 billion financial assistance for the Argentine nation. Toward the close of the event, a media member asked Trump about a recent unauthorized gathering in Boston where authorities were assaulted and a police vehicle was ignited. The correspondent also asked if the situation could cause the loss of tournament responsibilities for the 48-team World Cup.

“It's possible to take them away,” he said about the World Cup fixtures, scheduled to be hosted at the Foxborough venue. “Their mayor is poor … she’s far-left, and they’re dominating areas of downtown. It's a significant claim, right?”

Public Gatherings and Public Safety Concerns

Unauthorized gatherings, a online-fueled phenomenon where participants gather on city streets late at night to perform stunts, have emerged as a frequent problem in American cities since the Covid-19 pandemic shutdowns. Latest such gatherings have become aggressive in the state, notably in downtown. However, these gatherings are typically not considered tied to any particular ideological group.

“When a city is failing, and I feel there’s unsafe conditions, I would call the FIFA head, who is phenomenal, and say it should be shifted to another location,” the former president stated on Tuesday. “He'd do that. He might not prefer to do it, but he'd agree. Readily, he would.”

FIFA Relationship

Gianni Infantino has been open his attempts to be visibly associated with the former president ahead of the 2026 event, planned to be organized in multiple US locations across the United States along with several in Canada and multiple in the southern neighbor. The organization's leader has been present at various White House gatherings, had Trump present the Club World Cup cup after the championship match, and has even postponed his FIFA's internal meeting to accompany Trump on a journey to the Gulf states this year.

Earlier Warnings

This has not stopped, Trump from suggesting the cancellation of soccer games from additional American venues. Recently, the Washington city and San Francisco faced similar comments, with Trump asserting both cities were “led by radical left lunatics who lack understanding what they're managing,” while criticizing the security conditions of both cities and claiming that games could be relocated.

Organizational Statement

Victor Montagliani rejected Trump’s claims when he responded afterward at a event in England.

“It’s FIFA’s tournament, our responsibility, the organization determines such choices,” the vice-president declared. “Politely to current world leaders, soccer is bigger than them and soccer will outlast their tenure and their government. That is the essence of football, that it is bigger than any individual and beyond individual states.”

Olympics Threat

During the event, Trump’s response to a question about the Massachusetts city veered into a comparable warning regarding the upcoming Summer Games.

“In case I thought Los Angeles was not adequately ready, I'd shift it to a different city if I had to,” he remarked. “Regarding that event I’d probably have to obtain a different kind of consent, but we would proceed.”

Any approval Trump refers to would have to come via the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Their president, the newly elected president, was elected to her position in March and has not yet appear together with Trump, but she stated that she hopes for a discussion with the US figure at eventually.

Additional Criticism

Trump also criticized California governor Newsom’s response of recent blazes, stating that a similar situation could lead to the removal of the event.

“In case he doesn’t play ball, we will have to be firm,” Trump said.

The warning was just as direct for Boston.

“They should address these issues,” he said. “That is I can say.”