US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday the creation of a White House task force that will be responsible for coordinating security, transportation, and other key aspects of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The president signed an executive order to launch this team, which will include cabinet members, government officials, and local and state authorities.
Trump, who will chair the group, said, “The Los Angeles Olympics are shaping up to be a wonderful moment for the United States. It’s going to be incredible. We will do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of the Olympic Games, including calling on the National Guard or the military.” The vice chair of the group will be JD Vance, while an executive director will handle “day-to-day operations,” according to the White House.
A logistical and political challenge for Los Angeles
With just three years to go, Los Angeles is stepping up its preparations for an event that will attract millions of people over 16 days. The city has been planning the event for years, but in recent weeks negotiations between city leaders and LA28, the organizing committee, have intensified to finalize the use of public personnel, including police officers. In addition, a referendum proposal is being debated that could require citizen approval to use certain Olympic venues.
These plans coincide with a complicated context for the region. The devastating fires in January and the recovery efforts have affected local finances. Added to this is the tense relationship between the Trump administration and Los Angeles authorities over immigration raids and the deployment of federal troops in the city despite opposition from its leaders.
Federal investment and institutional support
Despite these tensions, Trump has reiterated his support for the event. His latest budget proposal allocates $1 billion for security, planning, and other costs related to the Games. “The city is a little different than it was when it was selected in 2017, but we are going to bring it back stronger than ever,” the president said at the White House.
For his part, former International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach expressed his confidence in the city’s strength in June: “With regard to Los Angeles, we have the full support of the US president, the governor of California and the mayor of Los Angeles for the success of these Olympic Games,” he told the Associated Press before leaving office.
Extraordinary security and organizational measures
The White House said the task force will “streamline the processing of visas and accreditations” for participants and the media. In addition, the executive order instructs various government departments, the FBI, and the Secret Service to use “all tools at their disposal” to ensure safe Games.
Trump, as mentioned earlier, even spoke about the possibility of employing the National Guard or the army during the event and criticized Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom, calling them “incompetent.”
LA28 president Casey Wasserman thanked the federal government for its support. “You have been helpful every step of the way, and we would not be here without you. And now, with the creation of this task force, we have unlocked the opportunity to elevate our planning and deliver the biggest and, yes, the best Games in our history.”
