IOC boss, Bach: “Trump is a sports fan at heart”
“Trump is a sports fan at heart”, President-elect of the United States was described this way by the President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, in statements to the German Press Agency (DPA).
Despite political tensions and the fires in California, Bach believes that the 2026 World Cup and the LA28 are assured.
The Olympic leader highlighted that Donald Trump “was involved in the bidding phase of both events, campaigning in one way or another in favour of the World Cup and the Los Angeles 2028 Games. That’s why I’m sure he will support them.”
The 2026 Football World Cup, which will be jointly organised by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and the LA28 Games, have been the subject of speculation due to the political conflicts Trump has had with these countries and the criticism he has directed at California Governor Gavin Newsom as a result of the recent fires that have ravaged Los Angeles.
Specifically, Trump repeatedly promised to introduce massive tariffs on the World Cup co-hosts, while ridiculing them with ideas such as renaming the Gulf of Mexico or incorporating Canada as the 51st state of the United States. Regarding his words against Newsom, he was quite blunt: “I will demand that this incompetent governor allow fresh, clean, beautiful water to flow into California. He is to blame for this. He should resign.”
Despite these episodes, Bach does not believe the disputes will affect the two sporting events. Additionally, in the midst of the fires, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to the Olympics during a meeting with Casey Wasserman, president of the organising committee. “These are America’s Games. They are more important for Los Angeles than ever. I will support this in every way possible and make them the best Games,” Trump declared.
