Federal assurances now guarantee that President Trump’s sweeping new travel ban will not block athletes and officials from attending the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, easing fears of an international controversy just three years before the Games begin.
At a Glance
- LA28 organizers have secured exemptions from Trump’s travel ban for Olympic participants
- The federal government affirmed that “the Olympics require special consideration”
- The ban affects citizens from 12 countries including Iran, Myanmar, and Afghanistan
- IOC praised venue progress and confirmed U.S. commitment to Olympic ideals
- LA28 has already secured over 60% of projected revenue ahead of 2028
Federal Government Makes Olympic Exception
With tensions high following President Donald Trump’s newly reinstated travel ban, Los Angeles 2028 Olympic officials confirmed they have received direct assurances that the order will not impact Olympic operations. The ban currently targets nationals from 12 countries—including Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Iran—prompting concerns that athletes or officials could be barred from entering the U.S.
Those concerns have now been allayed. According to LA28 Chair Casey Wasserman, federal authorities issued a directive acknowledging the Games’ exceptional status, affirming, “the Olympics require special consideration.” This language has enabled LA28 organizers to continue operations confidently, assuring global sports federations and national Olympic committees that entry will not be restricted for qualified participants.
Watch a report: LA28 Organizers Address Travel Ban Concerns.
IOC Confirms Trust in U.S. Execution
The announcement coincided with a key site visit from the International Olympic Committee’s Coordination Commission, which evaluated LA28’s preparations. Delegates toured venues including Dodger Stadium and praised the city’s infrastructure readiness. Nicole Hoevertsz, chair of the IOC Coordination Commission, noted that “local and federal authorities understand that bringing the Games to your country is a big responsibility,” reflecting the IOC’s confidence in U.S. cooperation.
That confidence is rooted in precedent. The U.S. has historically facilitated entry for Olympic personnel, even during periods of diplomatic strain. Organizers are continuing active discussions with federal agencies to streamline entry for all 206 participating nations, aligning security protocols with the Olympic Charter’s commitment to inclusivity.
Operational Momentum and Financial Strength
While political challenges dominate headlines, the behind-the-scenes operations for LA28 are surging forward. With 1,135 days until the opening ceremony on July 14, 2028, LA28 has entered what Wasserman calls “delivery mode.” Key venues are being refurbished rather than built from scratch, ensuring reduced costs and a smaller environmental footprint.
Financially, LA28 is already ahead of expectations. According to Wasserman, the organization has secured more than 60% of its projected revenue—outpacing even the Paris 2024 Olympics, not including ticket sales. This surplus has allowed planners to address logistical hurdles like air quality and wildfire contingencies with greater flexibility.
Despite political headwinds, LA28 remains on track to deliver a Games that organizers say will reflect both Los Angeles’s diverse identity and the Olympic spirit of global unity. Whether Trump’s ban becomes a flashpoint or a footnote, the Olympic torch appears destined to burn brightly in California.
