URGENT UPDATE: A Los Angeles Times columnist is calling for the city to withdraw from hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics due to concerns over Donald Trump’s involvement. In a striking column published just hours ago, Gustavo Arellano argues that Trump’s leadership of the task force overseeing the Olympics poses a significant threat to Los Angeles.
Arellano’s comments come in light of Trump’s recent appointment to head the Olympic task force, a move he describes as akin to offering the city a “giant whoopi cushion.” The columnist warns that the upcoming Games, scheduled from July 14 to 30, 2028, will be manipulated for Trump’s political agenda, particularly in a presidential election year.
In his column, Arellano sharply criticizes the presence of other Trump administration officials at the announcement, calling them “L.A. haters” and expressing concern over their history with immigration policies that have impacted Southern California. He specifically points out Vice President JD Vance and Department of Homeland Security head Kristi Noem as key figures in this troubling narrative.
The columnist further condemns Casey Wasserman, chair of Los Angeles 2028, for what he describes as “groveling” praise for Trump. “I haven’t seen such a suck-up since the last time I vacuumed my dad’s pool,” Arellano writes, suggesting that Wasserman’s ties to Trump could jeopardize the integrity of the event.
Arellano emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating, “The federal government was always going to be involved with hosting the Olympic Games, but Trump’s role makes it problematic.” He fears that the Olympics will serve as a platform for Trump to showcase a city transformed by his controversial policies, potentially using the event to further his political standing.
“Do we really want to give Trump and his goon squad more chances to make life miserable in Los Angeles?” Arellano asks, highlighting the emotional impact of Trump’s policies on the community. He expresses his reluctance to support an event that could bolster Trump’s legacy, stating, “I don’t want my money going toward something that Trump will use to bolster his noxious legacy.”
The column concludes with a poignant reminder of the stakes involved, questioning whether true Angelenos would support a spectacle that risks showcasing a city under siege. With the clock ticking towards the 2028 Olympics, the conversation around Trump’s involvement is heating up, and Arellano’s plea has sparked immediate discussion across social media platforms.
As this story develops, the White House has yet to respond to requests for comment, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for Los Angeles and its Olympic dreams. The city faces a critical decision that could redefine its relationship with a deeply polarizing figure in American politics.
