President Donald Trump has named himself chair of a White House task force on the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, citing his commitment to “showcasing American exceptionalism.” The move comes amid concerns about increased security measures and potential tension with city officials. Trump’s executive order establishes a task force led by him and Vice President JD Vance, which will focus on federal coordination for the Games.
Trump expressed willingness to use military forces to protect the Olympics if necessary, drawing parallels with his previous deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles amid immigration enforcement actions. City officials have raised concerns about potential security threats during the Games, citing Trump’s border policies as a deterrent to international visitors.
The task force will work on visa processing and credentialing programs for foreign athletes, coaches, officials, and media personnel. However, city officials have expressed worry that Trump’s border policies could complicate visa processing and strain relations with Los Angeles city officials, who have already faced criticism from the president. The Games are set to take place in a deep-blue city with a mercurial Republican president, posing challenges for event organizers.
The White House has historically provided significant funding for Olympic security and infrastructure, with the federal government spending millions on security measures leading up to past Games. The Secret Service will lead security coordination for the 2028 Games, classifying them as a “National Special Security Event.”
Source: https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2025-08-05/trump-l-a-2028-olympics-task-force-billion-dollar-security-effort