The American President Donald Trump has appointed himself on Tuesday in a presidential decree as chairman of a task force for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Vice President JD Vance will be vice chairman.
Trump sees the sporting event as “an excellent opportunity to show American exceptionalism on the world stage and to stimulate economic prosperity,” the White House reports in a statement.
During previous Games on American soil, incumbent presidents only fulfilled ceremonial roles. The country has so far organized both the Summer and Winter Games four times. The last time was in 2002 (Winter Games in Salt Lake City).
The task force must regulate the safety and planning of the Games. When signing the decision, Trump said that he does not rule out sending soldiers to Los Angeles during the Games. In June, he sent the National Guard and Marines to the city during protests against his immigration policy.
“We will do everything necessary to keep the Olympic Games safe,” Trump said. “Including deploying our National Guard or the military.”
Trump appointed himself in March as chairman of a task force that focuses on preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The US is organizing that tournament together with neighboring countries Canada and Mexico.
