LA28

President Trump's call to FIFA President Gianni Infantino over a red card decision involving U.S. player Folarin Balogun has highlighted political tensions in global sports. The Olympic movement, under new IOC President Kirsty Coventry, is adopting a more measured approach to U.S. political engagement compared to FIFA's close ties with Trump. Casey Wasserman, chair of LA28, serves as the Olympic movement's main liaison with the Trump administration.

President Trump's involvement with FIFA over a red card controversy has highlighted political tensions in global sports, contrasting with the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) more measured approach under President Kirsty Coventry as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Olympics. The IOC has distanced itself from direct White House engagement, relying on LA28 organizers instead of cultivating high-profile relationships like FIFA's Gianni Infantino did with Trump.

A Los Angeles City Council committee meeting highlighted concerns over LA28's human rights strategy for the 2028 Olympics, with critics questioning how homelessness and potential displacement of unhoused individuals will be managed. The strategy, which relies on existing facilities rather than new venues, faces scrutiny over security perimeters that could displace hundreds or thousands of people, prompting calls for interagency collaboration and external funding.

Los Angeles and LA28 have reached a tentative agreement for the 2028 Olympics organizers to reimburse the city for public service costs, but concerns remain about federal funding for security expenses. The deal, which requires city approval, includes upfront payments for services like trash pickup and traffic control, and allows the city to access LA28's contingency fund if federal reimbursement for policing costs is insufficient.

LA28 organizers announced a second ticket drop for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, available from August 10 to August 20. The ticket sale offers access to all Olympic sports at various price points.

Casey Wasserman, head of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee, faces controversies over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and support for Israel. His daughter, Stella Wasserman, is training to compete for the Israeli equestrian team at the 2028 Games, creating a potential conflict of interest.

LA28 chair Casey Wasserman stated he did not consider resigning over Epstein files during a press conference where Olympics organizers highlighted momentum. Mayor Karen Bass called for his resignation.

Bass publicly called on Wasserman to resign from his role as LA28 chairman. The article references Wasserman's ties to Epstein.

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell warned that Los Angeles is unprepared to secure the 2028 Olympics due to staffing shortages and insufficient funding, with the department needing 6,700 officers and 700–800 patrol vehicles but lacking dedicated financial support. Olympic organizers claim federal assistance will cover security, but LAPD disputes this, citing a projected $16.5 million deficit from rising overtime costs.