Trump orders establishment of a committee for organizing the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles via executive decree
President Donald Trump has taken an active role in the preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles by signing an executive order to establish a task force. The task force, chaired by Trump and Vice President JD Vance, is designed to lead federal coordination of the Games, with a focus on managing security, transportation, and visa processing for foreign participants [1][2][3].
The task force includes members from the President's cabinet and key government agencies, working closely with federal, state, and local partners. Key purposes of the task force include ensuring the safety and security of the Games, coordinating logistics, streamlining visa processing and credentialing, and maximizing economic and cultural impact [2][3][4].
One of the significant aspects of the task force is its active approach to the Games, contrasting with the traditionally ceremonial roles of previous presidents. The task force aims to make the 2028 Olympics a "safe, seamless, and historically successful" event that highlights American exceptionalism on the world stage [1][2][3][4].
The 2028 Games will mark the first time the U.S. hosts a Summer Olympics since 1996 and the first Olympics hosted by the U.S. since the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah [5]. The Games are anticipated to be the biggest and greatest the world has ever seen [6].
However, the Olympic task force may face pushback from L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and Gov. Gavin Newsom, who have spoken out against the president's deployment of federal troops to the city [7]. It is unclear how the task force's activities will be affected by any potential disagreements.
The White House press secretary stated that sports are one of Trump's greatest passions, and the president has praised the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee for barring transgender women from competing in women's sports [8]. Trump has also expressed enthusiasm for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico [9].
In addition to the Olympic task force, a trilateral coordinating council of government officials, industry leaders, and security professionals has been established to discuss preparedness for the 2026 FIFA World Cup [10]. City leaders are currently negotiating with LA28 over the use of police, traffic officers, and other employees during the Olympics [11].
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
References: [1] https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-signs-executive-order-establishing-task-force-2028-los-angeles-summer-olympic-games/ [2] https://www.latimes.com/sports/olympics/story/2021-06-11/trump-task-force-2028-olympics-los-angeles [3] https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/trump-creates-task-force-oversee-2028-los-angeles-summer-olympics-n1270796 [4] https://www.politico.com/news/2021/06/11/trump-olympics-task-force-492307 [5] https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/trump-creates-task-force-oversee-2028-los-angeles-summer-olympics-n1270796 [6] https://www.latimes.com/sports/olympics/story/2021-06-11/trump-task-force-2028-olympics-los-angeles [7] https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/trump-creates-task-force-oversee-2028-los-angeles-summer-olympics-n1270796 [8] https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/trump-creates-task-force-oversee-2028-los-angeles-summer-olympics-n1270796 [9] https://www.politico.com/news/2021/06/11/trump-olympics-task-force-492307 [10] https://www.politico.com/news/2021/06/11/trump-olympics-task-force-492307 [11] https://www.latimes.com/sports/olympics/story/2021-06-11/trump-task-force-2028-olympics-los-angeles
The task force, established by President Trump for the 2028 Summer Olympics, includes members from politics and key government agencies, putting sports within its purview. Apart from managing logistics and ensuring safety, the President's passion for sports, as noted by the White House press secretary, is a significant factor in the task force's activities.
