The President of the International Olympic Committee, Kirsty Coventry, has publicly revealed that she has not yet engaged in formal discussions with the White House or President Donald Trump concerning the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympic Games. This disclosure was made during a press conference on Wednesday, occurring against a backdrop of significant international political tensions and shifting global alliances.
Geopolitical Context and Olympic Neutrality
President Trump's initial year back in office has been characterised by substantial geopolitical manoeuvres, including a contentious proposal to acquire Greenland as a strategic Arctic territory and repeated threats of imposing trade wars against various European nations. His administration has also taken assertive actions regarding Venezuela, with parallel discussions about implementing similar measures targeting Cuba, Colombia, and Iran.
When directly questioned about the absence of dialogue with the Trump administration during such a volatile global climate—especially for an event projected to welcome over 10,000 athletes from more than 200 different countries—Ms Coventry firmly reiterated the IOC's policy of political neutrality.
"Not in Our Remit to Comment"
"We are perpetually cognisant of all the ongoing conversations, the geopolitics, and the political discussions happening worldwide," the IOC President stated emphatically. "I must make it unequivocally clear that commenting on such matters falls entirely outside our institutional remit. Our primary objective remains ensuring that all National Olympic Committees are fully represented at the Games."
She elaborated further on the specific situation with the United States, saying, "As it specifically pertains to the USA, we have not yet established formal communication channels with the White House. However, we have noted the formal announcement regarding President Trump's official delegation for the forthcoming 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics next month. We genuinely look forward to meeting the Vice President."
Contrast with FIFA's Engagement
This situation presents a stark contrast to the relationship between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the Trump administration. Mr Infantino has conducted multiple meetings with President Trump at the White House, even presenting him with a peace prize in December, ahead of the United States co-hosting the FIFA World Cup later this year.
Ms Coventry addressed this notable difference in engagement levels, offering a measured perspective: "If we were not observing positive diplomatic relations merely six months prior to a major event like the World Cup, then I would certainly become concerned. As we gradually approach the Olympic Games, you will witness these relations continue to develop and, I anticipate, only grow stronger."
Upcoming Diplomatic Presence
Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to lead the American presidential delegation to the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina Winter Games on 6 February. He will be accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance, marking a significant diplomatic presence at the international sporting event.
The IOC's current stance underscores its traditional role as an apolitical entity focused solely on the sporting spectacle, even as it navigates the complex diplomatic landscape surrounding a Games hosted by a nation under a politically divisive administration. The coming years will be crucial in observing how this relationship evolves as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics draw nearer.
