The recent policies on immigration and transgender issues implemented by Donald Trump have raised concerns about the potential negative impact on both the finances and reputation of the United States as it prepares to host several major sporting events in the coming years. The new North American leader, who previously promised to build a wall on the border with Mexico, has now begun deporting illegal migrants at a record pace.
At 78 years old, Trump continues to be active and has recently taken a strong stance on “defending women’s sports” by stating that transgender athletes will not be allowed to participate in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. This issue has become a major topic of discussion, particularly within the Republican party, and Trump is determined to push through his new eligibility guidelines.
However, this strict stance on gender in sports has raised concerns about the potential financial and reputational impact on the country, as well as its reputation as a democratic nation. With the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, organisers and sporting bodies fear the consequences of stricter immigration policies, which could result in a decrease in both revenue and attendance at these events. The recent tragic fires in California have also added to the challenges faced by the host city, but the multicultural community of Los Angeles remains strong, despite the recent anti-immigration policies resulting in traumatic raids and deportations.
Under the previous administration, about a quarter of visa applicants were denied entry, and with the renewed focus on anti-immigration policies, it is expected that even more migrants and tourists will be refused entry. The Department of Homeland Security has also announced that they will review policies regarding the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. While transgender athletes have been allowed to compete in the Olympics for the past two decades, the issue of gender eligibility remains unresolved, as seen in the recent gender row in the 2024 Olympics.
Despite criticism, Trump and his ally Elon Musk have continued to push for stricter policies, which could have a significant impact on the processing of visas and ultimately discourage supporters from attending these major sporting events. As the IOC prepares to elect a new leader in March, Trump’s preferred candidate is believed to be Sebastian Coe, who has taken a strong stance on the gender debate by banning DSD athletes from track and field competitions. While the IOC has stated that they will not be influenced by political interference, there are concerns that athletes may be denied entry if they are suspected of fraudulently claiming to be a different gender.
Despite the support for these policies among Trump’s supporters, the greater Los Angeles area is still hoping to generate significant revenue from the World Cup, with estimates reaching billions of dollars on a national level. The US State Department has emphasized its commitment to upholding national security and public safety through the visa process.
