Erika D. Smith, Columnist

Will LA Just Be Hosting the MAGAlympics Now?

Los Angeles is worried that the 2028 Games will become a pretext for more ICE raids and National Guard deployments.

A fan of gold medals.

Photographer: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

Los Angeles has been busily preparing to host the Summer Olympics and Paralympics three years from now, a process that will require billions of dollars in private and public investment. But there are new uncertainties, now that President Donald Trump has signed an executive order making himself chair of the task force charged with handling security, transportation and coordination with state and local officials for the Games.

There are questions about how exactly the back-to-back megaevents will come together — and under whose authority. How expansive will Trump’s role be? Will he send in National Guard troops to patrol the streets, scaring tourists and residents alike? Will there be daily federal immigration raids, with masked agents operating with impunity? How much gilded golden trim will adorn the opening ceremonies?