Cease discrediting the LA28 Olympics
In the city of Los Angeles, preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics are underway, but not without controversy. Casey Wasserman, the LA28 Chairman, met with President Trump earlier this year, resulting in Trump's announcement that he will head a federal task force for the Games.
Wasserman's endorsement of Trump's involvement was enthusiastic, calling it "truly extraordinary." He presented Trump with medals from the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, signaling a close cooperation between LA28 leadership and the Trump administration. The creation of the task force, signed by Trump via executive order, aims to ensure the Games are "safe, seamless, and historically successful" by coordinating key elements such as security, transportation, and visa processing.
However, Trump's leadership of the task force has raised significant concerns. The Los Angeles Times, among others, has suggested that the city should consider pulling out of the Olympics due to Trump's administration's policies and personnel that have been harshly criticized in Los Angeles, particularly related to immigration enforcement actions and deportations in the region.
Critics also point out that several Trump administration figures associated with the press conference, such as Vice President JD Vance, DHS head Kristi Noem, and Stephen Miller, known for restrictive immigration policies, are viewed negatively in the multicultural context of Los Angeles. This could potentially undermine local sentiment and support.
Moreover, Wasserman's public praise of Trump and his appearance at the event have sparked backlash, suggesting tensions within the organizing committee in balancing political realities and community interests.
Despite the controversy, the city of Los Angeles has a history of successfully hosting the Olympics. In 1984, under the leadership of Peter Ueberroth, the city delivered a successful Games amidst international turmoil and potential boycotts. The profit from the 1984 Olympics still circulates in Los Angeles through the LA84 Foundation, which invests and distributes annually to hundreds of local charities and sports groups.
The city is currently negotiating with LA28 over the use of city employees during the 2028 Summer Olympics. Peter Rice will serve as the lead executive producer for the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Los Angeles.
This debate about the city's relationship with the Olympic Games under the current political climate is not unprecedented. In 1984, the L.A. committee had one competitor: Tehran. Bill Dwyre, a former sports editor of The Times, organized The Times coverage of the '84 Olympics and was named National Editor of the Year in 1985 for that coverage.
As the countdown to the 2028 Olympics continues, the question of Trump's level of involvement in planning the Games remains. Wasserman's goal, however, is to rise above the political stink and ensure the success of the Games for the benefit of Los Angeles.
