Four years after an unexpected visit to US Olympians en route to London, Donald Trump’s presence still looms large over the Olympic movement. The former president, a self-proclaimed sports enthusiast and admirer of the Games, always appreciates a winner – a sentiment undoubtedly fueled by the US team’s consistent dominance on the medal table. It wouldn’t be a stretch to imagine Trump as a staunch supporter of Los Angeles’ bid to host the 2024 Olympics.
However, Olympic bidding is a complex game, often won and lost in the shadows of geopolitical maneuvering rather than on the field of play. Although the International Olympic Committee (IOC) strives for an apolitical facade, the reality is far more nuanced. The 98 members of this influential body often consider global dynamics when choosing the custodian of their most prized possession: the Olympic Games.
Trump’s Election: A Ripple Effect in the Olympic Pond
Trump’s election sent ripples of uncertainty through the Los Angeles bid committee. The concern? A perception of the United States as an unpredictable player on the world stage, potentially undermining LA’s bid when the IOC casts its decisive votes.
During a bid presentation, American sprint icon Allyson Felix addressed the IOC members directly, acknowledging potential concerns about America’s commitment to its founding principles in the wake of a divisive election. Her message was clear: “Please don’t doubt us. America’s diversity is our greatest strength.”
Navigating Political Waters: A Delicate Balancing Act
While the US government doesn’t directly fund the Olympics, a certain level of high-level support is crucial for any bid. Historically, a direct appeal from a head of state was considered a powerful tool. Former President Barack Obama learned this the hard way when his personal plea for Chicago’s 2016 bid fell flat, leading to a swift elimination in the initial rounds. This experience led him to conclude that the IOC’s decision-making process was “a little bit cooked.”
Unlike Obama, Trump didn’t have any prior baggage with the IOC. In fact, US Olympic hockey player Angela Ruggiero, who once appeared on Trump’s reality show “The Apprentice,” is an IOC member.
Los Angeles and Trump: Bridging a Political Divide
Perhaps the most crucial bridge to build was between Trump and the LA bid committee itself. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, a Democrat with ties to Hillary Clinton, expressed concern during the campaign that a Trump victory could alienate IOC voters. He questioned whether the IOC would be comfortable awarding the Games to a country where the rhetoric raised concerns.
Following Trump’s victory, the LA bid team engaged in “preliminary” discussions with the incoming administration, though details remained scarce.
A Choice Between Populism and Global Unity?
Assuming Trump didn’t actively hinder LA’s progress, the IOC faced a fascinating dilemma. Both leading contenders, Los Angeles and Paris, were represented by leaders whose populist, nationalist messages resonated with voters but sparked unease on the international stage. In France, far-right candidate Marine Le Pen presented a significant challenge in the upcoming presidential election.
This situation presented Trump with a choice: which vision of the Olympic movement did he believe in? The IOC, often perceived as an out-of-touch, elite group operating behind closed doors, embodied the very “swamp” of entrenched interests that Trump vowed to drain.
A Missed Opportunity for “Making America Great Again”?
However, for a leader who campaigned on a promise to “Make America Great Again,” the prospect of aligning himself with a team of American champions and bringing the Summer Games back to US soil for the first time since 1996 could have been an irresistible opportunity.
The 2024 Olympic bid presented a unique crossroads for Trump, the IOC, and the City of Los Angeles. It was a moment where the world of sports collided with the complexities of global politics, leaving a legacy that continues to shape the Olympic landscape.
