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Former President Trump has repeatedly stated he would urge FIFA to remove upcoming World Cup matches from a designated city based on municipal politics, with Massachusetts now being the third targeted location to receive such warnings from the American leader. Additionally, Trump indicated he would consider comparable measures against Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Games due to perceived security concerns.

Jurisdictional Limits and Possible Pressure

Even though Trump does not have formal power to personally cancel either competition, he may lobby the international organizations managing each competition to change venues.

Context of Remarks

These remarks were made during a press event with Argentina's leader Milei, who was present in the presidential residence following the disclosure of a multibillion-dollar bailout for the Latin American country. Near the end of the event, a media member questioned Trump about a recent public disturbance in downtown Boston where law enforcement were targeted and a patrol car was set on fire. The reporter also wondered if such events could cause the loss of tournament responsibilities for the 48-team World Cup.

“It's possible to take them away,” the former president said concerning the FIFA World Cup matches, planned to be staged at Gillette Stadium. “She is not good … she’s far-left, and they are occupying areas of the city. It's a pretty big claim, don't you think?”

Public Gatherings and Political Context

Public disruptions, a online-fueled phenomenon where groups of people assemble on public avenues after dark to conduct vehicular acrobatics, have become a frequent nuisance in US urban areas since the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. Recent such gatherings have become aggressive in Massachusetts, specifically in the city. Nevertheless, these occurrences are usually not considered tied to any distinct political ideology.

“When a city is failing, and I perceive there are dangerous circumstances, I'd call the FIFA head, who is excellent, and say let’s move it to a different city,” Trump commented on Tuesday. “He'd do that. He might not prefer doing it, but he'd agree. Very easily, he would.”

Political Connections

The organization's head has publicly acknowledged his efforts to be publicly aligned with Trump before the upcoming World Cup, scheduled to be staged in 11 cities across the America along with several in Canada and multiple in the southern neighbor. The organization's leader has participated at various Oval Office gatherings, facilitated Trump hand over the club tournament cup after the concluding game, and has even postponed his own organization’s congress to travel with Trump on a journey to the Middle East earlier in 2025.

Earlier Warnings

Nevertheless, Trump from threatening the cancellation of World Cup matches from other US host cities. Recently, the Washington city and San Francisco were comparable comments, with Trump stating both locations were “governed by ideological activists who lack understanding what they're managing,” while challenging the public safety of both locales and implying that matches could be removed.

FIFA Response

FIFA vice-president Montagliani dismissed Trump’s statements when he responded afterward at a event in England.

“It’s our competition, FIFA’s jurisdiction, we decide these matters,” Montagliani stated. “With all due respect to current world leaders, the sport is bigger than any individual and the game will survive their regime and their leadership. That is the strength of football, that it is transcends a single person and beyond any country.”

Olympics Threat

On Tuesday, Trump’s reply to a inquiry about the Massachusetts city extended to a parallel statement regarding the upcoming Summer Games.

“If I thought the city was not adequately ready, I would move it to a different city if necessary,” Trump stated. “For the Olympics I’d probably have to get a alternative consent, but we would do that.”

Official consent Trump mentioned would need to come through the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The leader, the newly elected president, was elected to her position in this year and has so far not appear together with Trump, although she indicated that she would like a sit-down with him at some point.

Additional Criticism

He also questioned California governor Newsom’s response of this year’s California fires, remarking that a similar situation could result in the cancellation of the event.

“In case Newsom doesn’t play ball, we are going to have to be strict,” Trump commented.

The warning was equally clear for Boston.

“They better clean up their act,” Trump stated. “It's my message.”