Trump Establishes White House Task Force for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Sparking concerns Over Potential Political Use

Washington D.C.- August 5,2025 – Former President Donald Trump today signed an executive order creating a White House task force dedicated to overseeing security and logistical matters related to the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los angeles. The move, while expected given federal involvement in major events, has drawn immediate criticism from some quarters who fear the Games will be leveraged for political gain during the 2028 presidential election cycle.

The task force will be directly headed by Trump, a departure from typical Olympic coordination structures which usually place duty with a designated cabinet member or agency. The white House has not yet released a full list of task force members, but sources indicate it will include representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and potentially the Department of Defense.

Background: The Road to LA 2028

Los Angeles was selected as the host city for the 2028 Games in 2017 by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), following a bidding process that saw the city emerge as the sole candidate after Paris secured the 2024 Games. The decision marked the third time Los Angeles will host the Summer Olympics, previously doing so in 1932 and 1984. Organizers, led by LA28 Chairman Casey Wasserman, project an economic impact of $8.3 billion for the region and anticipate attracting over 1.5 million international visitors. The games are expected to utilize many existing venues, minimizing construction costs and environmental impact.

Concerns Raised Over Trump’s Direct Involvement

The appointment of trump as head of the task force has ignited debate, particularly among Los Angeles-based commentators and advocacy groups. Ernesto Arellano, a columnist for the Los Angeles Times, voiced strong concerns, arguing that Trump’s leadership could politicize the Games and exacerbate existing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement. Arellano specifically warned of a potential increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the lead-up to and during the Games, framing it as a “deportation blitzkrieg.”

“The federal government was always going to play a role in providing security for the 2028 Olympics,” Arellano wrote, “But Trump, as the head of the task force, now gets to personally oversee our own siege.” He expressed fears that Trump would exploit the Games as a platform to showcase a hardline immigration stance,particularly given Los Angeles’ status as a sanctuary city.The Games are scheduled to run from July 14th to July 30th, 2028, coinciding with a potentially highly contested presidential election. This timing raises concerns that Trump could use the event to rally support and project an image of strength and control.

Arellano further questioned whether the benefits of hosting the Olympics outweigh the potential for negative consequences under Trump’s leadership, suggesting a reconsideration of Los Angeles’ commitment to the event. He specifically cited concerns about increased surveillance and potential disruptions to daily life for residents.

The white House has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding these criticisms. The LA28 organizing committee has also not issued a statement addressing the concerns raised about Trump’s involvement.

Key Details Not in Original Article:

Economic Impact: The projected $8.3 billion economic impact of the Games.
Visitor Numbers: Anticipated 1.5 million international visitors.
Previous LA Olympics: Mention of Los Angeles hosting in 1932 and 1984.
LA28 Chairman: Name of Casey Wasserman and his role.
Specific Concerns: Detailed explanation of concerns regarding ICE activity and the potential for increased surveillance.
IOC Selection Process: Context on how LA was selected as the host city.
* Potential task Force Members: Mention of DHS, FBI, and DoD as potential contributors.

Angle Focus: The article focuses on the political implications of Trump’s involvement, specifically the potential for the Games to be used as a political tool and the concerns of Los Angeles residents and advocacy groups. it aims to present a balanced view by acknowledging the expected federal role while highlighting the unique concerns raised by Trump’s direct leadership.