Former US President Donald Trump has claimed credit for securing the 2028 Summer Olympics for Los Angeles. In a recent Truth Social post, Trump asserted that as President-Elect, he played a crucial role in winning the bid for the games, despite strong competition from other countries. Trump’s statement revisits the 2017 bidding process, where Los Angeles won the rights to host the 2028 Olympics, while Paris was awarded the 2024 Games. Trump’s involvement was highlighted by his efforts to support Los Angeles’ bid during a time when IOC President Thomas Bach visited him at the White House.
Accusations Against Obama
Trump also accused his predecessor, Barack Obama, of being unsupportive of the bid. Trump alleged that Obama declined to engage with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which he claims impacted Chicago’s unsuccessful bid for the 2016 Games. Trump argued that the IOC requires strong backing from the US President to secure a successful bid, asserting that his own efforts were instrumental in bringing the Olympics to Los Angeles.
Criticism of Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony
In addition to his claims about the 2028 Olympics, Trump criticized the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Speaking to Laura Ingraham on FOX News, Trump described the ceremony as “disgraceful,” referencing a scene involving drag performers and dancers that some compared to Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” Trump promised that if elected president again, he would apply pressure to ensure a more traditional and respectable presentation for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.