UPDATE: A Los Angeles Times columnist is calling for the city to abandon the 2028 Summer Olympics due to concerns over President Donald Trump’s involvement. In a scathing op-ed, columnist Gustavo Arellano warns that Trump’s leadership of the task force could turn the global event into a political platform for his agenda.
Arellano’s urgent plea comes as the LA28 organizing committee announced Trump’s appointment, which he described as a “giant whoopi cushion” for the city. He emphasized the potential fallout from Trump’s presence, indicating that it could exploit Los Angeles for political gain amid an election year.
“L.A. needs to withdraw from hosting the Olympics — the sooner the better,” Arellano asserts, expressing fears that Trump will use the Olympics to highlight his controversial immigration policies. He criticized key figures from the Trump administration present at the announcement, including Vice President JD Vance and DHS head Kristi Noem, connecting them to negative impacts on Los Angeles.
Arellano further condemned LA28 chair Casey Wasserman for what he deemed “groveling” towards Trump, stating, “I haven’t seen such a suck-up since the last time I vacuumed my dad’s pool.” He questioned Wasserman’s qualifications for the role, suggesting that his family connections, rather than merit, secured his position.
With the Olympics set to occur from July 14 to 30, 2028, Arellano highlights the unique challenge posed by Trump’s involvement. “The federal government was always going to play a role in providing security for the 2028 Olympics, but Trump now gets to personally oversee our own siege,” he warns.
Arellano’s concerns extend beyond logistics. He argues that Trump could use the international spotlight to celebrate his controversial policies, potentially showcasing an altered Los Angeles marked by his immigration strategies. “Do we really want to give Trump and his goon squad opportunities to make life miserable in Los Angeles?” he asks.
The opinion piece resonates with many residents who fear the implications of hosting an event under Trump’s watch. Arellano articulates a desire to not financially support an event that could bolster Trump’s legacy. “I don’t want my money going toward something that Trump will use to bolster his noxious legacy,” he states forcefully.
As discussions over the 2028 Olympics continue, the White House has not yet responded to requests for comments on the matter. With strong public sentiments brewing, the pressure mounts on city officials to reconsider their commitment to hosting the games amid rising concerns over Trump’s influence.
What’s Next: As Los Angeles grapples with this contentious issue, residents and officials alike will be watching closely for any moves to withdraw from hosting the Olympics. The coming weeks will be critical in shaping the future of the city’s involvement in this major global event.
