This is the second time in recent weeks that Trump has suggested he would use international sporting events, including the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, to pressure Democratic-led cities to crack down on crime and lawlessness.
Lisa Gillmor, mayor of Santa Clara, California, said the Bay Area has “a history of hosting major global events, like Super Bowl 50 and other international football games, with professionalism and success.”
“Any suggestion that Santa Clara is not safe is simply not based in fact. We have been preparing for these games for almost three years and we will be proud to welcome the world to Santa Clara for the World Cup next year,” Gillmor said.
A host city official, who requested anonymity to discuss the matter candidly, said that while he appreciated Trump’s focus on safety and security, there was “no concern that this could result in action by the federal government.”
“Our agreements are between FIFA and the host cities,” the official said. “These are deals that were made in 2017 and 2018. The deal itself was approved by the first Trump administration.”
Another host city official told POLITICO only that he didn’t take Trump’s remarks seriously.
Trump’s latest remarks focused on Boston, one of 11 U.S. host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The president criticized Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, calling her “radical left” and blaming her for “street takeovers” and “dangerous” conditions in the city.
“I love the people of Boston and I know the games are sold out, but your mayor is no good,” Trump said. “She’s smart, but she’s radical left, and they’re taking over parts of Boston…Boston better get its house in order.”
In a statement, Wu said: “Boston is honored and excited to host World Cup matches, and we look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to our beautiful city, the birthplace of freedom and the city of champions.” »
Two of the host city officials told POLITICO they remain confident in their relationship with FIFA and have received no indication that matches might be moved. Both emphasized that planning for the World Cup had been underway for years and involved bipartisan cooperation at all levels of government.
“The 11 U.S. host cities worked collaboratively, across party lines and with the federal government, particularly through the White House task force and Executive Director (Andrew) Giuliani, to make this event the event the president envisions for the nation,” the second official said. “We’re confident that’s exactly what we’re going to deliver.”
A FIFA spokesperson told POLITICO after publication: “Safety and security are of the utmost importance at all FIFA events around the world and it is ultimately the government’s responsibility to decide what is in the best interest of public safety. We hope that each of our 16 host cities will be prepared to meet all the necessary conditions for a successful 2026 World Cup.”
Earlier this month, FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani said the White House could not influence where World Cup matches would be played.
“It’s FIFA’s tournament, FIFA’s competence, FIFA makes these decisions,” Montagliani told a sports and business conference in London.
Infantino, the FIFA president who has a close relationship with Trump, has not publicly addressed the president’s threats. He was with Trump in the Middle East last weekend. Trump’s remarks Tuesday weren’t limited to football.
He also threatened to intervene in the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, suggesting that if he deemed the city’s preparations or security inadequate, he would attempt to move the Games. “If I thought Los Angeles wasn’t going to be prepared properly, I would move it to another location if I had to,” Trump said, acknowledging that doing so might require “a different type of authorization.”
