Concerns Raised Over Trump’s Role in LA’s 2028 Olympics

A columnist from the Los Angeles Times has called for the city to reconsider its role in hosting the 2028 Olympics, primarily due to President Donald Trump’s impending involvement.

In a recent piece, Gustavo Arellano expressed his dismay regarding Trump’s appointment as the head of the task force for the Olympics, suggesting that the president would exploit the event to further his personal agenda.

Arellano pointed out that during the announcement for the 2028 Games, Chair Casey Wasserman introduced Trump as the task force leader. He emphasized concerns about the implications of this leadership.

He further criticized the presence of other high-ranking officials from the Trump administration at the event, noting that some had previously played notable roles in controversial policies affecting Southern California.

Describing Wasserman’s praise for Trump, Arellano remarked, “I’ve never seen such sycophancy since the last time I vacuumed my father’s pool,” questioning how Wasserman earned his influential position with LA28.

While acknowledging the federal government’s historical role in Olympic hosting, Arellano stressed that Trump’s involvement presents unique challenges. He flagged the potential for increased federal oversight and concerns about how this could affect residents during the summer games.

Arellano warned that Trump might use the next three years of preparations to tarnish the image of Los Angeles, asking readers if they would want to give him further leverage in the city.

Expressing his personal view, he stated a preference against hosting the games, arguing that he wouldn’t want his money to contribute to what he sees as reinforcing Trump’s negative legacy. “I don’t want to support an event that could turn occupied LA into a spectacle,” he added.

The 2028 Summer Olympics are set to take place from July 14 to 30, having been awarded to Los Angeles back in 2017. The White House has yet to respond to these comments.