President Trump signed an executive order on August 5 to officially establish the “White House Task Force on the 2028 Summer Olympics.” The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles will mark the second time the United States has hosted the Olympics since 2002.
During his first term, President Trump successfully secured the hosting rights for the Los Angeles Olympics for the United States. Now, he will personally oversee the realization of this historic milestone as the President. According to the White House briefing, the United States will host the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, with the White House Task Force responsible for coordinating the federal aspects of the Olympic events. The team members include members of Trump’s Cabinet and representatives from major government agencies.
President Trump will serve as the chairman, with Vice President Pence as the vice chairman, and will appoint an executive director to handle daily operations. The task force will coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies to address matters such as security, transportation, and border management. The special group will also streamline visa processing and credential issuance procedures for foreign athletes, coaches, officials, and media.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated in a press release, “Sports is one of President Trump’s most beloved areas, and his athletic expertise combined with unparalleled hosting experience will make this Olympics one of the most exciting and unforgettable in history.”
The White House briefing outlined that the 2028 Summer Olympics will be an exceptional opportunity to showcase America’s excellence and promote prosperity globally. It is expected to bring $18 billion in national economic benefits to the United States and drive the development of tourism, hospitality, and infrastructure.
Additionally, the Los Angeles Olympics is projected to create approximately 90,000 full-time job opportunities in the United States, generate $6 billion in labor income, and contribute around $700 million in taxes to states and local governments.
It is anticipated that over 15 million domestic and international visitors will come for sightseeing, stimulating retail, dining, entertainment, and accommodation spending, and promoting overall economic growth in the United States while leaving long-term benefits.
The White House stated that to ensure the safety of all athletes and spectators, the United States must be adequately prepared to fully realize the potential economic benefits of the Olympics.
LA28 Organizing Committee Chairman and CEO Casey Wasserman remarked that the establishment of the task force marks a significant step forward in preparing for the Olympics, with the goal of making the Los Angeles Olympics the “greatest sporting event in world history.”
He said, “On behalf of all LA28 members, we express our most sincere thanks for President Trump and his government’s leadership and unwavering support. We are fully committed to preparing and hosting the largest and most ambitious Olympics and Paralympics organized by the United States.”
The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) revised its policy last month regarding transgender athletes participating in the Olympics to align with President Trump’s executive order on February 5 to ensure fairness in the women’s events at the 2028 Summer Olympics.
The presidential executive order mandated that the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security review existing policies, adjust practices that previously allowed transgender males to participate in women’s events, and issue guidance within the “legally permissible range” to restrict such participation.
According to the order, transgender athletes will not be allowed to compete in women’s events at the 2028 Olympics but can participate in the corresponding men’s events.
The White House briefing also noted that hosting the Olympics in the United States aligns with President Trump’s overall economic agenda by attracting foreign investment through global focus and solidifying America’s status as a premier destination for sports and tourism.
President Trump has also established the “White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday” to showcase national pride through various large-scale events.
The United States will also host global major sporting events such as the Ryder Cup in 2025, FIFA World Cup in 2026, and Presidents Cup, all aligning with President Trump’s initiatives to promote sports, fitness, and nutrition.
The President also signed orders to bolster collegiate sports, directing his administration to negotiate with the US Olympic and Paralympic teams to ensure the role of collegiate sports in nurturing world-class athletes.
The White House stated that hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics will be a historic opportunity, uniting the American people, celebrating American excellence, and strengthening America’s position as a global leader in hosting major events.