On August 5, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing a task force to ensure the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics are “safe, seamless, and historically successful,” as reported by Politico.
Trump, who will chair the task force with Vice President JD Vance as vice-chair, aims to exert significant influence over the event in a Democrat-run city that has often clashed with his administration. The group includes Attorney General Pam Bondi, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, alongside Olympic gymnast Nastia Liukin and Paralympian Brad Snyder.
Trump emphasised safety, stating, “We’ll do anything necessary to keep the Olympics safe,” hinting at deploying the National Guard or military, a move that previously sparked tensions in June 2025 when he sent California’s National Guard to Los Angeles against Governor Gavin Newsom’s wishes to address immigration-related protests. Trump also reignited his feud with Mayor Karen Bass, calling her “not very competent” and criticising her handling of January 2025 wildfires. He praised the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s (USOPC) decision to bar transgender women from women’s events, stating, “The United States will not let men steal trophies from women,” and advocating for stringent genetic testing for athletes.
“No autopen!”
President @realDonaldTrump signs Executive Order creating Task Force for 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/1NTfpRvidu
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) August 5, 2025Despite political tensions, Casey Wasserman, chairman of the LA 2028 organising committee, expressed gratitude, stating, “You’ve been supportive and helpful every step of the way.” Wasserman highlighted the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and offered Trump the chance to carry the Olympic flame, as he did in 2004. The 2028 Games will feature a historic torch relay across all 50 states. Los Angeles, awarded the Games in 2017 during Trump’s first term, is preparing alongside the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a trilateral council addressing security for both events.
Trump’s task force leadership and comments on transgender participation highlight his administration’s priorities, potentially polarising stakeholders in liberal-leaning Los Angeles. His involvement in the Olympics and World Cup reflects his passion for sports, as noted by press secretary Karoline Leavitt. However, his policies could strain relations with local officials and impact the Games’ inclusivity narrative, drawing scrutiny as preparations intensify.
