Boston Mayor Michelle Wu Addresses President Trump's Warning to Move World Cup Games from City
Boston's mayor, Mayor Wu, suggested that the city was prepared for a confrontation with President Donald Trump regarding his claim that he could order FIFA to remove World Cup tournament games from Gillette Stadium, situated approximately 35 kilometers south-west of Boston.
Mayor Wu appeared on a Boston-based podcast this week to address criticism from the White House, which had labeled her as "radical left." President Trump had warned that he would call FIFA President Gianni Infantino if Boston did not "clean up its act."
Much of it is secured by agreement so that no one, even the president, can reverse it.
Wu continued, "We're in a world where for drama, for control, for pushing the boundaries ... ongoing threats ... are issued at individuals and communities who refuse to back down and submit or be obedient to a hateful agenda."
She further stated, "We are going to continue being who we are, and that means, unfortunately, we are going to be part of a discussion that is targeting what Boston stands for." She finished by stressing her commitment for the city, saying, "Ten toes down for Boston."
Trump's Statements and FIFA's Involvement
Earlier this week, Infantino was seen with President Trump at the international summit in Egypt. Infantino has also visited the Oval Office and given World Cup and club championship trophies to the president as presents.
On Tuesday, Trump was questioned on recent disturbances in a Boston neighborhood that involved a police car being set on fire. He replied, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's unsafe conditions, I would call Infantino – the president of the organization, who's great."
Trump continued, "I'd tell him: 'We should relocate the games' and they would do that. He wouldn't love to do it. But he would do it very easily." The president also specifically targeted Wu, saying, "Their mayor is ineffective ... she's radical left, and they're taking over parts of Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?"
Previous Threats and Upcoming Tournament Information
Trump has made previous comments that he would have the similar discussion with Infantino about relocating games from Seattle and San Francisco, which are part of the 16 host cities across North America.
The US is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with neighboring countries. The expanded tournament is scheduled to be held from June 11 to 19 July next summer.