No visa problems anticipated for 2028 LA Olympics, says official
Casey Wasserman, chairman of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee, speaks during the 144th International Olympic Committee session, which will elect the new IOC President, in Costa Navarino, western Greece, Thursday, March 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
LOS ANGELES – LA28 President Casey Wasserman said Thursday he does not anticipate any issues with athletes and various supporters entering the United States for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, despite concerns over potential restrictive policies from the Trump administration.
Speaking in front of the International Olympic Committee in Pylos, Greece, Wasserman said “irrespective of politics today, America will be open and accepting to all 209 countries for the Olympics. LA is the most diverse city in the history of humanity and we will welcome the people from around the world and give them all a great time,” according to the Los Angeles Times.
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Questioned by IOC member Ingmar de Vos about a number of bans or restrictions proposed by President Donald Trump since he took office in January, Wasserman said he has spoken with the president and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who indicated that B1/B2 tourist visitor visas for athletes from participating countries would not be withheld.
“We have had four different administrations, three different presidents in our bid process,” Wasserman told the IOC, according to the Times. “All of them have affirmed and reaffirmed their commitment to both full access for everyone and the Olympic Charter.”
In separate comments Wednesday to the Associated Press, Wasserman said hip-hop star and Los Angeles native Kendrick Lamar, who headlined the halftime show at this year’s Super Bowl, would likely perform in some capacity at the Olympics.
“Fortunately in my day job I represent Kendrick Lamar,” said Wasserman, who is also a high-powered sports and entertainment agent. “He is truly an L.A. icon, so I think it would be a pretty fair bet that Kendrick will be involved in the Olympics in Los Angeles in some way.”
The Olympics will take place July 14-30, 2028. (CNS)
