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Ex-president Trump has once again stated he would urge FIFA to pull upcoming World Cup games from a host city based on that city's politics, with Boston now being the latest targeted location to encounter such warnings from the US president. Furthermore, Trump indicated he would consider parallel steps against LA for the 2028 Summer Games due to perceived safety issues.

Official Power and Possible Pressure

Although Trump lacks formal power to directly relocate either tournament, he is able to apply pressure the international organizations managing each tournament to move host cities.

Background of Comments

These remarks were made during a media briefing with Javier Milei, who was present in the presidential residence following the disclosure of a massive financial assistance for the South American nation. Toward the close of the event, a journalist asked Trump about a latest “street takeover” in Boston where law enforcement were assaulted and a cruiser was set on fire. The reporter also asked if these incidents could lead to the removal of organizing rights for the larger soccer tournament.

“We could take them away,” the former president remarked regarding the soccer games, set to be hosted at Gillette Stadium. “Their mayor is ineffective … they're far-left, and they’re taking over parts of the city. It's a major claim, right?”

Public Gatherings and Ideological Perceptions

Unauthorized gatherings, a social media-driven phenomenon where groups of people congregate on city streets after dark to perform stunts, have become a repeated nuisance in metropolitan centers since the coronavirus shutdowns. Latest similar events have become aggressive in the region, specifically in Boston. Yet, these events are generally not regarded as linked to any specific partisan agenda.

“If a city is doing a bad job, and I perceive there are dangerous circumstances, I would call Gianni [Infantino], who is excellent, and tell him let’s move it to an alternate venue,” he stated on Tuesday. “And he would do that. He wouldn’t love the action, but he would comply. Without hesitation, he would.”

Organizational Alignment

FIFA President has been open his attempts to be closely connected with the former president before next year’s tournament, scheduled to be hosted in numerous American venues across the United States along with several in the northern neighbor and three in Mexico. The FIFA president has participated at several presidential gatherings, facilitated Trump deliver the club tournament award after the championship match, and has even delayed his the group's assembly to join Trump on a journey to the Arab region previously.

Past Statements

This has not stopped, Trump from suggesting the cancellation of World Cup events from different locations. Recently, the Washington city and the Bay Area metropolis came under comparable statements, with Trump stating both locations were “governed by ideological activists who don’t know what they’re doing,” while criticizing the security conditions of both cities and claiming that games could be removed.

FIFA Response

Victor Montagliani rejected Trump’s assertions when he reacted afterward at a event in the UK capital.

“It is our competition, under our authority, the organization determines these matters,” he stated. “Respectfully to national heads, the sport is more important than any individual and football will survive their tenure and their policies. That is the beauty of our game, that it is bigger than one leader and more important than individual states.”

LA Games Warning

On Tuesday, Trump’s reply to a query about the Massachusetts city extended to a parallel statement regarding the LA Olympic event.

“When I perceived Los Angeles was not going to be adequately ready, I will shift it to an alternate venue if I had to,” he said. “For the Olympics I may have to secure a alternative permission, but we will take that action.”

The permission Trump mentioned would have to come through the IOC. The head, the newly elected president, was chosen to her role in March and has not yet hold a public appearance with him, but she stated that she would like a meeting with him at some point.

Other Remarks

Trump also questioned Gavin Newsom’s management of this year’s LA wildfires, remarking that a parallel incident could result in the relocation of the event.

“When the governor doesn’t play ball, we’re gonna have to be firm,” the former president commented.

His message was equally direct for the Massachusetts city.

“Boston should clean up their act,” he said. “That’s all I will say.”