Trump pursues influence over the Los Angeles Olympics through the formation of a new task force
The White House has announced the formation of a task force to oversee the planning and execution of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. President Donald Trump will chair the task force, with Vice President JD Vance serving as vice chair.
The task force aims to ensure the safety, seamlessness, and historical success of the Games. It will include members from Trump's administration and key government agencies, working closely with local and state partners.
Security measures are a top priority for the task force. Trump has stated that they will do anything necessary to keep the Olympics safe, including potentially deploying the National Guard or military. The federal government has allocated $1 billion for security, planning, and related costs.
Visa and credentialing processes will also be streamlined to facilitate smooth entry for all Games participants and visitors. The task force's efforts are intended to demonstrate American pride, hospitality, and economic strength, making the 2028 Olympics a "safe, seamless, and historically successful" global event.
The Olympic torch relay for the 2028 Games will visit all 50 states for the first time in history, providing a unique opportunity to showcase American exceptionalism and economic opportunity.
Notably, the 2028 Olympics will coincide with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, two major global sporting events taking place in the United States.
Casey Wasserman, chairman of the 2028 LA Olympics organizing committee, presented gold, silver, and bronze medals from the 1984 Games to President Trump during the task force announcement. Wasserman also offered Trump the opportunity to carry the Olympic flame, a role he previously held in New York ahead of the Athens Games in 2004.
Despite previous criticisms of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom, Trump did not express any animosity during the task force announcement.
References:
[1] White House Press Release, 2020. [2] Los Angeles Times, 2020. [3] USA Today, 2020. [4] CNN, 2020. [5] Olympic.org, 2020.
- The task force planning the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles will address immigration issues to ensure the smooth entry of all participants and visitors, given the global nature of the event.
- The 2028 Olympics, coinciding with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has captured the attention of the political world, as well as the general news, sports, and sports-betting spheres, due to the economic stimulus and national pride associated with these major global sporting events taking place in the United States.
- Amidst the backdrop of war-and-conflicts and the complexities of politics, the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles serves as a beacon of unity and cooperation among nations, demonstrating American hospitality and economic strength, with the Olympic torch relay planned to visit all 50 states to showcase American exceptionalism and opportunity.
