LA28 Confirms Olympic Athletes Exempt from Trump’s Travel Ban

The LA28 Olympic organizers have confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly signed immigration directive, which bans entry from 12 countries, includes exemptions for athletes, officials, and their families attending the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

Trump’s proclamation, issued Wednesday, aims to bolster national security by restricting entry from nations deemed high-risk. The affected countries include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Partial restrictions also apply to Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

Despite the sweeping ban, LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover expressed confidence in the administration’s support. “There is a carve-out in the order that guarantees access for Olympic participants,” Hoover told Reuters. “We will be able to host a wide-open Games.”

Casey Wasserman, chairman of LA28, echoed this sentiment, thanking the federal government for acknowledging the global significance of the Olympics. “It’s clear the directive considered the Olympics a special case. We have a strong working relationship with the administration,” he stated during a press conference with IOC officials in Los Angeles.

Hoover added that ticket sales, set to launch next year, should remain unaffected by the ban. He also emphasized ongoing collaboration with federal agencies, including the White House and State Department, to ensure streamlined visa processing for Olympic delegations.

Trump recently voiced similar support for international attendees of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, suggesting a consistent stance on major global sporting events.

With the Games just over three years away, LA28 remains focused on ensuring international access, security, and successful execution of the world’s premier athletic event.