WADA Threatens to Bar Trump, US Officials from LA Olympics and World Cup

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The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is proposing to bar former President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and other U.S. government officials from attending the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and potentially the 2026 World Cup in the United States. The move is the latest development in a years-long dispute over the U.S. government's refusal to pay its annual dues to WADA.

Why it matters

The U.S. has long been critical of WADA's handling of doping scandals, including its response to issues with the Russian and Chinese anti-doping programs. This proposal represents an escalation of tensions between the U.S. and the global anti-doping body, with significant implications for American participation in major sporting events.

The details

According to a draft proposal, the WADA rule would apply to governments that have not paid their annual dues by January 31 of the following year. The U.S. has not paid its WADA dues since 2023. The proposal could be implemented without delay, potentially barring Trump, Vance, and members of Congress from attending the 2028 LA Olympics and the 2026 World Cup in the U.S.

• The next WADA Foundation Board meeting to formally approve any action is scheduled for November 2026.
• The U.S. government has not paid its WADA dues since 2023.

What’s next

The WADA Foundation Board will formally consider the proposal at its next meeting in November 2026, which could lead to the implementation of the rule barring U.S. officials from the 2028 LA Olympics and 2026 World Cup.