Sat Jan 17 04:06:08 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Trump Administration Eases Travel Restrictions for Athletes and Coaches to Select “Major Sporting Events”
The Story:
The Trump administration has designated specific athletic competitions, beyond the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, as “major sporting events” allowing athletes and coaches to travel to the United States despite existing travel restrictions. This decision marks a shift in policy, potentially signaling a prioritization of international sports engagement even amidst broader travel limitations. The exact list of competitions included under this designation remains unspecified, raising questions about the selection criteria and potential beneficiaries.
Key Points:
* The Trump administration is allowing athletes and coaches to travel to the U.S. for designated “major sporting events.”
* The 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games are explicitly included in this allowance.
* The exact list of other qualifying “major sporting events” has not been publicly released.
* This represents an exception to broader travel restrictions imposed by the administration.
Key Takeaways:
* The administration is making exceptions to its broader travel policies for events it deems strategically or economically important.
* The inclusion of the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics emphasizes the US’s commitment to hosting and participating in these high-profile international competitions.
* The lack of transparency regarding the full list of “major sporting events” raises concerns about potential favoritism or political considerations in the selection process.
First Piper 