Will Trump Torch L.A.’s Olympics?

by

The degree to which Donald Trump might affect, damage, or weaken Los Angeles’ 2028 Olympic Games is still uncertain. However, it’s reasonable to anticipate that the city’s journey towards gold and triumph will likely encounter political obstacles on its path.

His administration’s strict immigration policies, aggressive budget reductions in federal services, and contentious foreign affairs contradict the spirit of the grand event, which, despite its commercial nature, markets itself as a symbol of harmonious global unity.

Or, more informally:

His administration’s tough stance on immigration, slashing federal spending, and rocky international relationships go against the friendly, global-unification message that this big event is trying to sell, even though it’s mostly about making money.

In recent months, it’s been reported that Donald Trump personally assured the LA28 Olympic organizing committee at a private meeting in Mar-a-Lago that he would be “as helpful as possible” because, after all, “these are our nation’s Olympics.” However, experts have raised concerns. They fear that the games, occurring at the end of Trump’s second term, could become a significant source of international humiliation for the U.S. due to his policies, which have strained relationships with both allies and adversaries globally.

Jonathan Aronson, an expert in international policy from the University of Southern California, foresees a potential threat of diplomatic boycotts: “Should he continue to alienate other nations excessively, wouldn’t it be a more profound snub if they chose not to attend at all?

The tariffs imposed by Trump are unlikely to influence the costs of the Los Angeles Games, as they’ve opted for a “no-build” strategy that primarily utilizes existing infrastructure. However, visa complications might pose problems in the build-up to the event, affecting not only athletes but also coaches, families, sponsors, vendors, and spectators. In February, the U.S. Travel Association expressed worry about handling visas for upcoming international events, such as the 2028 Games, in a report prepared by former high-ranking officials from the Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration, and Customs and Border Protection.

Casey Wasserman, the chair of LA28 and a prominent figure in entertainment and sports management, reassured the International Olympic Committee during a speech in March that America would remain open and welcoming to all participating nations for the Olympics. He emphasized that Los Angeles is the most diverse city ever known, and that they would warmly welcome visitors from across the globe and ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone. Wasserman stated that visa issues would be handled by a specialized desk within the State Department. In his discussions with President Trump and Secretary Rubio, he shared that they comprehended the magnitude and intricacy needed to stage these Games, as well as the access required not just for athletes but also for delegations, and the tight timeframe under which these preparations must be completed. LA28 declined to comment on this report.

As a gamer, I’m not too optimistic about this situation. Delays in visa processing seem pretty likely without some extra resources on hand. Emma Prodromou, the global visa and immigration manager at Mauve Group, based in the U.K., shares my worry, especially considering how tricky it can get with documents that have time constraints or strict administrative requirements. For instance, whether an abridged birth certificate is acceptable or if a police clearance needs to be issued within 90 days of travel – these tiny yet crucial details can easily throw a wrench into our travel plans.

Karine Faure Wenger, a corporate immigration advisor at Fragomen, characterizes the circumstances as dynamic, emphasizing that the rigorous scrutiny and examination of individuals entering the U.S. for the Games will set them apart. While President Trump desires these Games to be successful, Faure Wenger suggests that adjustments may be necessary due to this heightened screening process. Furthermore, she raises questions about how the current administration will handle countries participating in the Olympics, such as North Korea and Iran, with which the U.S. does not maintain diplomatic relations, wondering what compromises might be made in those situations.

2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is often seen as a trial run for the 2028 Games. According to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who has a good relationship with Trump, he feels “absolutely not concerned” about America’s current diplomatic issues, even those involving its immediate neighbors and co-hosts. Next year, Infantino says, will bring an influx of people into the U.S., but these visitors won’t be invading in a negative sense; rather, they’ll arrive to celebrate with a positive attitude. From his perspective, he is confident that everything will proceed smoothly. Of course, there are numerous individuals working diligently behind the scenes to ensure a successful event, so we can welcome the world to America.

Both the World Cup and the Olympics are classified as National Special Security Events, where the U.S. Secret Service takes the lead role, working alongside the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security. According to Pacific University professor Jules Boykoff, one of the leading scholars on Olympic politics, this could provide Trump’s administration with significant influence over state and local authorities. In essence, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would have a wide range of authority in these events.

As a passionate supporter, I recall how back in November, our esteemed Mayor Karen Bass and other local political figures made an appeal to Trump for a staggering $3.2 billion. This sum was earmarked for transport projects, with the Games looming on the horizon. A significant portion of this request aimed at more than doubling our existing bus fleet, a necessary measure to manage the anticipated swarms of ticket holders effectively.

LA City Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez, who was previously an activist with NOlympics LA and opposed the Games due to environmental, economic, and other issues, expresses concern that Trump may demand concessions in order to facilitate financial support. These concessions could potentially involve yielding to, and possibly aiding, the administration’s operations of rounding up undocumented immigrants, as well as forcing homeless individuals out of public spaces that are visible. He states, “We understand that he uses financial resources to try to intimidate and manipulate to achieve his broader objectives. It’s a case of ‘If you resist me, I’ll retaliate.’ This dynamic is more pronounced with the Olympics.

Trump often likes being the main attraction at sports events, whether it’s UFC fights or the Super Bowl. Fox News commentator Jesse Watters, who is usually supportive of the president, made a jest during a broadcast in March, saying he was running out of places to go, hinting that Trump might want to be the one holding the torch in Los Angeles.

NYU hospitality expert Christopher Gaffney, who has researched the Olympics, concurs, suggesting that President Trump might emphasize his perspective during the opening ceremony. According to him, it’s likely that leaders such as Milei, Bukele, and Orbán will be sitting in Trump’s VIP section.

Many important figures and outside observers of the Games concur that Trump desires the 2028 Olympics to excel, under his own conditions. As California Governor Gavin Newsom stated on NBC’s Meet the Press in January, “This is an opportunity for him to shine.” Aronson, a professor from USC, further explains, “If he doesn’t aim for a third term, this will be his final act, and it would benefit him greatly to present a successful event.

Mia Galuppo contributed to this report.

You can find this intriguing tale in the June 4 edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Why not consider subscribing for more such exciting content?

Read More

2025-06-05 18:54