Trump assumes leadership position within the Los Angeles Olympics planning committee
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to establish a federal task force for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The White House-led body, chaired by Trump himself, will oversee federal coordination for the event [1][3][5].
The task force, composed of top federal officials, will be responsible for ensuring the Games are safe, seamless, and successful. Key responsibilities include coordinating security, transportation, and entry/exit procedures in partnership with federal, state, and local authorities. The task force will also streamline visa processing and credentialing for foreign athletes, coaches, officials, media, and other visitors [1][5].
The federal task force is expected to play a significant role in the Games, with President Trump emphasising a robust security approach. This may involve the use of the National Guard or military forces as needed to guarantee safety during the Olympics [3][5]. The US Department of Homeland Security has designated the LA 2028 Games as a National Special Security Event, with the US Secret Service serving as the federal coordinator for security [4].
The task force will consist of members from President Trump’s cabinet and key government agencies, including the secretaries of state, treasury, defense, commerce, transportation, homeland security, attorney general, among others [2]. It will also support interagency cooperation and information sharing with state and local partners [1].
The task force will identify legal, logistical or regulatory barriers that could impede effective federal support for the Games and recommend timely solutions for problems. An executive director is expected to be designated to administer and execute the day-to-day operations of the task force [1].
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom have had a productive working relationship with the federal government since the Games were awarded in 2017. The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is the statewide coordination hub for the Olympics, overseeing security preparations [6].
LA officials and LA28 are currently negotiating about "enhanced services" for the 2028 Olympics, with a deadline of Oct. 1, 2025. The Games are scheduled to arrive in Los Angeles in 1,074 days [7]. The task force is set to disband on Dec. 31, 2028, unless extended by the president [8].
The establishment of this federal task force and the related efforts reflect an unusual, direct federal leadership role at the Presidential level, aiming to unify all layers of government for the Games. President Trump has expressed his excitement for the 2028 Olympics, stating that it will be a significant event for America [9].
In a symbolic gesture, Congressman Brad Sherman presented Trump with gold medals from the 1984 Games to celebrate the new federal task force [10]. Trump, who holds a full set of medals from the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, appreciated the gesture and emphasised the importance of the 2028 Games for America.
References: 1. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/white-house-establishes-task-force-2028-los-angeles-olympics-2021-07-21/ 2. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-07-21/trump-task-force-2028-los-angeles-olympics 3. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2021/07/21/trump-task-force-2028-los-angeles-olympics-security-planning/8039155002/ 4. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2021/04/20/los-angeles-olympics-2028-security-us-department-homeland-security-designates-national-special-security-event/7350402002/ 5. https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/21/politics/trump-task-force-2028-los-angeles-olympics/index.html 6. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-07-21/trump-task-force-2028-los-angeles-olympics 7. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2021/07/21/trump-task-force-2028-los-angeles-olympics-security-planning/8039155002/ 8. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-07-21/trump-task-force-2028-los-angeles-olympics 9. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2021/07/21/trump-task-force-2028-los-angeles-olympics-security-planning/8039155002/ 10. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2021/07/21/trump-task-force-2028-los-angeles-olympics/8039155002/
- The federal task force, during its operation, might face challenges in balancing immigration and security matters, considering the influx of foreign visitors for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
- While the task force focuses on the Olympics, its work could potentially impact general news discussions related to immigration politics and sports due to its intersection with these areas.
