President Donald Trump has appointed himself chair of a new federal task force that will coordinate security and logistics for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, including the high-profile soccer semifinals and finals scheduled for Pasadena’s Rose Bowl Stadium.
The executive order, which names Vice President J.D. Vance as vice chair, establishes federal oversight of Olympic preparations across all venues, with cabinet-level officials from the departments of State, Treasury, Defense, Commerce, Transportation and Homeland Security serving as members.
For Pasadena, the task force’s creation signals the likelihood of increased federal involvement in planning events that city officials earlier a “huge win” for local tourism. The Rose Bowl is set to host both men’s and women’s soccer semifinals and finals during the Games, pending final approval from the International Olympic Committee.
“The aim is to make the Games safe, seamless and historically successful,” Trump said in announcing the task force, which will coordinate federal planning for security, transportation and entry and exit procedures at Olympic venues.
The federal government has already allocated $1 billion for Olympic security and planning through a recent congressional spending bill. The Department of Homeland Security previously designated the Games a National Special Security Event, with a separate Secret Service-led task force handling security coordination.
Pasadena and LA28 organizers reached an agreement in March 2025 for the Rose Bowl to host the soccer matches, marking the third time the stadium will be used for Olympic events. The venue previously hosted track cycling in 1932 and soccer in 1984.
The 2028 Games will mark the first time the Rose Bowl hosts women’s Olympic competition, according to NBC Sports.
Under the agreement with LA28, Pasadena must negotiate terms for enhanced services by Oct. 1, 2025, covering security, trash removal, traffic control and paramedic support, along with reimbursement rates. The federal task force is expected to help identify and resolve potential legal or logistical obstacles in these negotiations.
The increased federal presence could mean extensive coordination between the Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security, state agencies and Pasadena police and emergency services, particularly given the high-profile nature of the soccer finals.
City officials expect the Olympic events to generate substantial economic benefits for Pasadena, with international visitors experiencing the city’s landmarks, arts scene and restaurants.
The task force’s mandate includes fostering interagency cooperation with state and local partners and removing regulatory barriers that could hinder the Games. The group will operate through Dec. 31, 2028, unless extended.
The Rose Bowl will join the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum as only the second venue to host events at three different Olympic Games, cementing its place in Olympic history.
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