WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has launched a federal task force to oversee the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, marking a bold move that places him at the center of preparations for one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events. In a high-profile announcement at the White House, Trump declared himself chairman of the task force, with Vice President JD Vance serving as vice-chair. The decision signals the administration’s intent to take a direct role in managing the event, despite ongoing political tensions with the Democratic leadership of Los Angeles.
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The task force includes top administration figures such as Attorney General Pam Bondi, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. Olympic champion Nastia Liukin and Paralympian Brad Snyder were also present, highlighting the sporting significance of the occasion.
“Our priority is to ensure the Games are safe, seamless, and historically successful,” Trump said, adding that he would not hesitate to deploy the National Guard or even military forces if needed to guarantee public safety. This echoes his controversial June decision to activate California’s National Guard against the wishes of Governor Gavin Newsom, following protests against federal immigration raids.
While Trump’s relationship with Los Angeles city officials remains strained—he labeled Mayor Karen Bass “not very competent”—Olympics organizing committee chair Casey Wasserman struck a different tone. Standing beside Trump, Wasserman praised the president’s consistent support and even invited him to participate in the Olympic torch relay, which is set to travel through all 50 states for the first time in history.
The 2028 Summer Olympics were awarded to Los Angeles in 2017 during Trump’s first term. With the Games now just three years away, Trump’s re-entry into the planning process signals both a political and symbolic play to position himself as a key figure in America’s hosting of global events. His second term also includes the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada—two major international spectacles taking place under his administration.
In addition to logistics and security, Trump addressed the contentious issue of transgender participation in women’s sports. He applauded Gene Sykes, chairman of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, for policies barring transgender women from competing in female categories. “The United States will not let men steal trophies from women at the 2028 Olympics,” Trump stated. His remarks sparked mixed reactions, though some attendees applauded.
Trump also hinted at genetic testing requirements for athletes, saying, “There will be a very, very strong form of testing, and if the test doesn’t come out appropriately, they won’t be in the Olympics.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed the president’s enthusiasm, calling sports “one of the president’s greatest passions” and describing his leadership in Olympic preparations as a “great honour.”
Meanwhile, preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are also underway. The US, Canada, and Mexico have formed a trilateral council to address security, logistics, and operational planning ahead of the tournament. This cooperative effort underlines the scale of responsibility the US now bears as host to back-to-back international sporting events.
With political divides and logistical complexities ahead, Trump’s Olympic task force could shape not only the execution of the 2028 Games but also the broader narrative of America’s role in global sports leadership during his presidency.
