LA Times Columnist Argues Against Hosting 2028 Olympics Amidst Trump Task Force

Case Against Hosting the Olympics

• 💡 The author argues that Los Angeles never needed the Olympics and that the city has too many pressing problems to focus on hosting a global event.
• 🎯 The core concern is President Trump's involvement, particularly his intention to chair the security task force, which is seen as a political maneuver.
• ⚠️ The speaker highlights Trump's past actions, such as deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles when not needed, as a reason to distrust his leadership over the games' security.

Political Motivation and Legacy

• 🚀 Trump's task force, including figures like Stephen Miller, is viewed as an attempt to make an example of Los Angeles and benefit Trump's legacy, especially in an election year.
• 🗣️ The involvement of Trump is seen as a continuation of a contentious relationship between his administration and LA, marked by disputes over immigration, funding, and wildfire relief.
• 📌 The speaker criticizes Trump's confrontational style, citing his insults towards LA Mayor Karen Bass, and suggests this will only escalate over the next three years.

Precedent and Alternatives

• 🌍 It is noted that other cities and countries have pulled out of hosting major events like the Olympics and World Cup, suggesting it's not unprecedented.
• 💰 While acknowledging the potential economic benefits promised by LA 28, the speaker hopes it doesn't come at the expense of Angeleno liberty or serve as a platform for Trump to claim victory over the city.
• 🇺🇸 The speaker expresses a personal love for the Olympics and its athletes but plans to forgo attending or spending money on the games due to the political climate.

Federalization and Control

• 🚨 The deployment of the National Guard to Washington D.C. is seen as a precursor to potential federalization of security in LA, raising concerns about the city's autonomy.
• ⚖️ A lawsuit challenging the legality of Trump's National Guard appointments, despite objections from local leaders, is mentioned as a point of contention.
• 🚫 The speaker believes Trump's desire to be in charge of security, beyond the ceremonial role of a head of state, crosses a line that should not be crossed, even if LA had initially sought the games.

Momentum for Cancellation

• 📉 Despite some calls for cancellation, the speaker believes it's unlikely to gain significant momentum due to the numerous stakeholders involved, including unions, LA 28, and politicians seeking visibility.
• 🌟 The narrative that LA is a failing city is seen as a hype created by Trump and the right, which some may be embracing to gain glory through the Olympics.