President Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday to create a White House task force dedicated to overseeing the security, transportation, and logistical planning for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The executive order, which was issued after a series of high-level meetings, establishes a multi-agency team led by Vice President J.D. Vance, with additional members including Attorney General Pam Bondi, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, White House Chief of Staff Susie Willes, and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. The task force’s primary focus will be on coordinating federal, state, and local government efforts to ensure the smooth operation of the Games, which will be hosted in Los Angeles, a city that has previously hosted the Olympics in 1932 and 1984.
Speaking at a presser, Trump emphasized his enthusiasm for the event, stating that “America is a nation of champions,” and that the 2028 Games would be a “wonderful moment for America.” He added that the Games would be a demonstration of the country’s ability to “win” on the global stage. Trump also highlighted his personal connection to the event, noting that he had played a key role in securing America’s bid to host the bid in 2017. The press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, further expressed her belief that Trump’s “unmatched hospitality experience” and “athletic expertise” would make the Games the most exciting and memorable in history.
The LA28 organization, which is responsible for organizing the 2028 Games, praised the task force’s creation as an “important step forward” in the planning process. Casey Wasserman, the chair and president of LA28, stated that the task force reflects a “shared commitment” to delivering the “greatest Games” the world has ever seen. Wasserman also thanked Trump and his administration for their “leadership and unwavering support” in preparing for the event. This move is seen as a significant step in the preparation process, as it ensures that the federal government is actively involved in planning the Games from a security, transportation, and logistical perspective.
One of the key objectives of the task force will be to streamline visa processes for foreign athletes, coaches, officials, and media, which was confirmed by Reuters. This is a crucial aspect of the planning, as the Games will bring in participants from across the globe. In addition to the logistics, the task force will also be responsible for ensuring a secure environment for all participants and spectators, a task that involves coordination between federal agencies that handle border security, immigration, and law enforcement.
Before the 2028 Olympic Games, Los Angeles will also host the FIFA World Cup in 2026, an event that Trump has expressed enthusiasm for. He has attended previous international sports events, including the FIFA Club World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium last month, indicating his continued involvement in major international sporting events. While the current focus is on the 2028 Olympics, the task force’s establishment marks a significant investment in ensuring that the United States is fully prepared to host one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events in the near future.