Overview
- Speaking in the Oval Office, the president said he could relocate matches and slightly modify dates if he deems host-city security inadequate.
- He criticized local leaders as “left-wing extremists” and pointed to Democratic strongholds such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle as potential targets for changes.
- He presented himself as head of a White House World Cup task force, positioning the administration as a coordinator on event security.
- The administration has deployed National Guard forces this year to Democratic-run cities, including Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., over objections from local officials.
- Legal and organizational limits remain in place, as FIFA is the official organizer and any venue changes would require its approval.