By John Q. Hosedrinker 
President Trump signed an executive order establishing a White House task force to oversee federal coordination for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, with Trump himself as chair and Vice President JD Vance assisting. Trump’s involvement, including potentially using the military for security, could strain relations with Los Angeles city officials, who have previously clashed with his administration. The task force, housed within the Department of Homeland Security, will assist with visa processing and other key areas, potentially clashing with the city’s expressed concerns over Trump’s border policies. While previous presidents have taken a largely ceremonial role, Trump’s active approach signals a significant departure.
Read the original article here
Trump naming himself chair of the L.A. Olympics task force is, frankly, a bit much. The immediate reaction seems to be a mix of disbelief and a kind of weary resignation. It’s as if this is just another headline in a long string of headlines, each one pushing the boundaries of what’s considered normal. The idea that he’s taking personal control of something like the Olympics, a global event focused on unity and athletic achievement, feels off-kilter. It feels like he’s turning something that’s meant to bring people together into a platform for himself.
This “premier opportunity to showcase American exceptionalism,” as the White House statement puts it, strikes a nerve. The phrase itself is getting a negative reaction. People are questioning the very definition of exceptionalism in this context, particularly when it’s tied to a political figure many see as divisive. The concern is that the Games will become a vehicle for self-promotion, not a celebration of athletic achievement.
The comparisons to the 1936 Berlin Olympics are, unfortunately, inevitable. The historical echoes of that event, where the Games were used to promote a hateful ideology, are impossible to ignore. The prospect of the military having a significant role in the 2028 Olympics is especially worrisome for many. The Olympics are designed to be a space where the opposite of military strength and authoritarianism is displayed. This feels like a threat to the spirit of the event. People are worried about the potential for the Games to become something other than an athletic competition.
The other big concern, as it’s being discussed here, is the potential impact on international participation. The prospect of other countries boycotting the Games is being openly discussed. Many view the current administration as an active danger to participating countries and their citizens. They feel that the United States under this administration would not welcome the participating countries.
The potential for the Olympics to become a political minefield is clear. There’s a lot of concern that Trump will use the event to push his own agenda, overriding local authority, and creating a hostile environment for international visitors. The idea of the opening ceremony being dominated by Trump’s rhetoric is, understandably, met with a collective eye-roll. People are already imagining a two-hour speech centered on himself.
There’s also a deep-seated worry that the Games will be used to further the administration’s agenda, potentially at the expense of the athletes and the spirit of the Olympics. The idea of the Olympics being used to put on a military parade is something that brings about a deep level of concern. This feels like an attempt to weaponize the Games for political gain.
The very idea of holding the Olympics in a country that many view as being on a path towards authoritarianism is, as you can imagine, a difficult concept to swallow. The fear is that the Games will become a reflection of that path, not a rejection of it. The whole situation is generating a lot of anxiety and uncertainty, and the call to boycott the 2028 Olympics is growing louder, with the very spirit and purpose of the Olympics at risk of being corrupted by the situation. The concern is that athletes might feel unwelcome.
The potential for the games being held in the US to turn into a farce is another point of worry. The worry is not only about the athletes, but also for the many people involved in the event, particularly those in Los Angeles. There’s also the financial aspect, and the potential for the Games to be a waste of resources and time.
The overall feeling is one of disillusionment and a sense of dread about the direction in which the Games are heading. The fear is that this event, which is meant to be a celebration of the best of humanity, will be transformed into a platform for division, self-aggrandizement, and even danger. The hope is that the situation can be resolved, but many are clearly not optimistic.