Trump creates task force for 2028 Olympics

President Trump established a task force on Tuesday to oversee the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, which will give the federal government a role in security and planning for the event.

Mr. Trump signed an executive order establishing the task force, which will include Cabinet members and government officials. In addition to security and preparation, the task force will handle transportation for the first games in the U.S. in nearly three decades.

Task force members include Vice President J.D. Vance, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. 

Mr. Trump said the task force will “ensure the games will be safe, seamless and historically successful.” 

“It’s going to be amazing. I think it’s going to be amazing,” Mr. Trump said at the White House. “America is a nation of champions, and in July 2028, we’ll show the world what America does best.”

Casey Wasserman, the chair and president of the L.A. Olympics, praised Mr. Trump’s involvement in the upcoming games. 

“Your support and the entire administration’s support through this whole process has been truly extraordinary,” Mr. Wasserman said, standing alongside Mr. Trump. “You’ve been supportive and helpful every step of the way, and we wouldn’t be here without you. So we greatly appreciate all your support.” 

It is unclear how closely Trump administration officials will work with local officials in Los Angeles. Mr. Trump has had a contentious relationship with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. They have clashed with Mr. Trump on issues ranging from ICE immigration raids to the January wildfires that devastated Los Angeles. 

Neither Ms. Bass nor Mr. Newsom issued statements about the task force.

In February, Mr. Trump ordered the Departments of State and Homeland Security to “review and adjust” policies permitting transgender athletes and issue guidance to try to prevent them from entering the U.S. He also directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to press the International Olympic Committee to stop transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports events. 

Earlier this year, Mr. Trump created a similar task force to oversee the preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. 

Mr. Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill set aside $1 billion in federal funding to pay for security and planning for the Olympics, plus $625 million for World Cup security.

The games mark the first time an American city has hosted the Summer Olympics since Atlanta in 1996. Those games were a financial boon to Atlanta, but were marred by logistical problems and a deadly pipe bomb exploding during the games at Centennial Olympic Park, injuring many.

Los Angeles previously hosted the games in 1932 and 1984. The 2028 Olympics will be held across Southern California, including Long Beach, Inglewood, Carson and Arcadia. At least two events, canoe slalom and softball, will be played outside of California in Oklahoma City.