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Donald Trump has once again stated he would pressure FIFA to remove upcoming World Cup games from a venue based on that city's political climate, with the Boston region now being the latest urban area to face such threats from the American leader. Moreover, Trump remarked he would contemplate comparable measures against LA for the 2028 Summer Games due to possible safety issues.

Jurisdictional Limits and Potential Influence

Even though Trump lacks formal power to unilaterally remove either tournament, he can lobby the respective governing bodies in charge of each competition to move locations.

Background of Comments

These comments were made during a news conference with Argentinian president Milei, who was present in the executive mansion following the announcement of a $20 billion bailout for the South American nation. Toward the conclusion of the meeting, a media member asked Trump about a latest “street takeover” in downtown Boston where authorities were targeted and a patrol car was set on fire. The correspondent also questioned if the situation could cause the revocation of tournament responsibilities for the 48-team soccer tournament.

“We could take them away,” the former president remarked regarding the World Cup matches, scheduled to be hosted at Gillette Stadium. “Their mayor is not good … she’s far-left, and activists are taking over parts of Boston. That is a significant claim, don't you think?”

Urban Disturbances and Ideological Perceptions

Unauthorized gatherings, a social media-driven occurrence where participants congregate on city streets late at night to perform stunts, have become a ongoing problem in American cities since the lockdown closures. Recent similar events have escalated into violence in the region, notably in the city. However, these gatherings are typically not regarded as linked to any particular partisan agenda.

“When someone is doing a bad job, and I perceive exist dangerous circumstances, I would call Gianni [Infantino], who is phenomenal, and suggest it should be shifted to an alternate venue,” he commented during the event. “He'd do that. He might not prefer to do it, but he'd agree. Without hesitation, he'd comply.”

Political Connections

Gianni Infantino has made no secret his attempts to be visibly associated with Trump before next year’s tournament, planned to be organized in numerous American venues across the United States along with a couple in the northern neighbor and multiple in Mexico. The head has been present at various presidential functions, had Trump present the FIFA club trophy after that tournament’s final, and has even delayed his FIFA's internal meeting to accompany Trump on a trip to the Middle East previously.

Earlier Warnings

Despite this, Trump from warning about the removal of World Cup games from additional American venues. In late September, the Washington city and San Francisco came under comparable statements, with Trump stating both urban centers were “led by far-left extremists who lack understanding what they’re doing,” while criticizing the safety level of both cities and suggesting that events could be shifted.

Organizational Statement

The organization's deputy Montagliani dismissed Trump’s statements when he reacted afterward at a gathering in the UK capital.

“It’s the organization's event, FIFA’s jurisdiction, FIFA makes those decisions,” Montagliani said. “With all due respect to sitting presidents, the sport is bigger than any individual and soccer will survive their administration and their government. That’s the strength of football, that it is more significant than any individual and beyond individual states.”

Olympics Threat

During the event, Trump’s answer to a question about the Massachusetts city included a similar threat regarding the upcoming Summer Games.

“If I thought the city was failing to be prepared properly, I would move it to another location if necessary,” Trump stated. “For the Olympics I’d probably have to get a varying consent, but we'd proceed.”

The permission Trump alluded to would have to come via the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The head, she, was chosen to her position in spring and has yet to hold a public appearance with Trump, though she indicated that she would like a sit-down with the US figure at a future time.

Further Comments

The former president also criticized Gavin Newsom’s response of the LA wildfires, saying that a parallel incident could result in the cancellation of the Games.

“When he refuses to cooperate, we will have to be strict,” he commented.

His statement was equally unambiguous for Boston.

“The city must clean up their act,” Trump stated. “That’s all my message.”