Boston's Leader Michelle Wu Addresses President Trump's Warning to Move World Cup Games from Boston
Boston's mayor, Mayor Wu, suggested that the municipality was ready for a face-off with US President Donald Trump regarding his assertion that he could order FIFA to remove World Cup tournament games from Gillette Stadium, located 22 miles south-west of the city.
Wu spoke on a local podcast this week to answer comments from the Trump administration, which had labeled her as "radical left." President Trump had threatened that he would call FIFA President Gianni Infantino if Boston did not "address its issues."
Much of it is locked down by agreement so that no one, even if they live in the White House, can change it.
She continued, "We're in a world where for drama, for power, to test limits ... ongoing threats ... are directed at individuals and communities who refuse to back down and submit or follow along to a divisive plan."
Mayor Wu also remarked, "We will keep being ourselves, and that means, sadly, we are going to be in a conversation that is targeting what Boston stands for." Wu finished by stressing her commitment for the city, declaring, "Ten toes down for Boston."
Trump's Comments and FIFA's Involvement
Recently, Infantino was seen alongside Trump at the international summit in Egypt. Infantino has also visited the White House and given World Cup tournament and club championship trophies to the president as gifts.
On Tuesday, President Trump was questioned on recent disturbances in a Boston neighborhood that included a police vehicle being set on fire. He replied, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's danger, I would call Infantino – the head of the organization, who's phenomenal."
Trump added, "I would say: 'Let's move into another location' and they would comply. He wouldn't love to do it. But he would do it without hesitation." The president also directly criticized Mayor Wu, stating, "Their mayor is not good ... she's far-left, and they're dominating parts of Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?"
Past Threats and Upcoming Tournament Information
President Trump has previously suggested that he would take the similar discussion with Infantino about relocating matches from other host cities, which are among the 16 host cities across North America.
The United States is joint hosts the 2026 tournament with neighboring countries. The 48-team event is planned to be held from 11 June to 19 July in the coming year.