LA28 BETS ON UNITY BEYOND POLITICS
Los Angeles Olympic officials are confident in federal support under the new administration.
Los Angeles 2028 organizers expressed optimism on Thursday about the incoming Trump administration’s commitment to supporting the Olympic Games, emphasizing the need for a united effort to deliver a successful event.
The federal government is pivotal to the success of the Games, providing essential support for security, transportation, and international travel. Casey Wasserman, chairman and president of LA28, reassured stakeholders that the Olympics transcend partisan divisions.
“We’ve been building strong relationships with the incoming administration through its transition team,” said LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover, a retired Army lieutenant general who joined the organization in June. “Our federal partners across departments and agencies play vital roles in ensuring we deliver the greatest Games ever.”
LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover. Photo by ETIENNE LAURENT/AFP via Getty Images.
“President Trump was in office when Los Angeles secured the Games in 2017, signing federally binding agreements for security and transportation,” Wasserman noted during a press conference held after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) coordination commission’s visit. “The Olympics aren’t about politics. They’re about red, white, and blue. These are America’s Games, taking place in Los Angeles, and they rise above politics.”
Questions surrounding potential policy shifts, such as the reintroduction of travel restrictions targeting certain countries, have not dampened organizers’ confidence. Wasserman pointed to past commitments made by Trump and his acknowledgment of the U.S.’s responsibility to host global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.
“Travel, security, transportation, logistics – the federal government has been a steadfast partner, and we look forward to continuing that collaboration,” he said.
As the nation prepares for the challenges and opportunities the Games bring, the hope remains that unity and commitment will take precedence over political populism, ensuring the Olympics remain a celebration of global connection and excellence.