Establishing the White House Task Force on the 2028 Summer Olympics

8/5/2025

Executive Orders

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Action Summary

Purpose: Host the 2028 Summer Olympics to showcase American strength, pride, and patriotism while ensuring maximum safety, secured borders, and world-class transportation for visitors.
Establishment of Task Force: Creation of the White House Task Force on the 2028 Summer Olympics with the President as Chair and Vice President as Vice Chair. An Executive Director is appointed to manage day-to-day operations.
Membership and Structure: The Task Force includes key cabinet members and senior executive staff from the Departments of State, Treasury, Defense, Justice, Commerce, Transportation, Homeland Security, among others. Additional members can be designated by the Chair or Vice Chair.
Responsibilities:
- Coordinate federal planning on security, transportation, and entry/exit processes.
- Support interagency cooperation and information-sharing with state and local partners.
- Identify and resolve legal, logistical, or regulatory barriers.
- Assist with visa processing and credentialing for foreign participants and media.
- Ensure operational readiness across law enforcement, counterterrorism, transportation, and emergency response functions.
Administrative Provisions:
- The Task Force is housed within the Department of Homeland Security, which provides funding and support.
- Agency heads must submit reports on their planning by October 1, 2025.
- The Task Force will terminate on December 31, 2028, unless extended.
General Provisions: The order does not impair the authority of executive departments or agencies and is subject to applicable law and appropriations.

Risks & Considerations

The establishment of the White House Task Force on the 2028 Summer Olympics indicates a significant federal focus on security, transportation, and international cooperation. This could lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory oversight for institutions involved in related sectors.
Vanderbilt University may need to consider the implications of heightened security measures and international visitor protocols, particularly if hosting or participating in events related to the Olympics.
The emphasis on interagency cooperation and information-sharing could present opportunities for Vanderbilt to engage in research or advisory roles, particularly in areas such as security, logistics, and international relations.
There may be potential impacts on international students and faculty, especially concerning visa processing and credentialing programs, which could affect Vanderbilt’s international community and partnerships.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Law School could see increased demand for expertise in international law and regulatory compliance, particularly in relation to the legal and logistical barriers identified by the Task Force.
The School of Engineering may have opportunities to contribute to transportation and security technology solutions, aligning with the Task Force’s focus on operational readiness.
Vanderbilt’s International Student and Scholar Services might need to prepare for changes in visa processing and credentialing, ensuring compliance with new federal guidelines.
The Office of Federal Relations could play a key role in maintaining communication with federal agencies and ensuring that Vanderbilt’s interests are represented in discussions related to the Olympics.

Financial Impact

While the Task Force is primarily federally funded, there may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure grants or contracts related to research and development in areas such as security, transportation, and international cooperation.
Potential changes in visa and credentialing processes could impact the financial planning for international programs and partnerships, necessitating adjustments in budgeting and resource allocation.
Engagement in Olympic-related activities could enhance Vanderbilt’s visibility and reputation, potentially attracting new students, faculty, and funding opportunities.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential opportunities for engagement in federal initiatives.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should engage with the White House Task Force on the 2028 Summer Olympics to explore opportunities for collaboration, particularly in areas related to security, transportation, and international engagement. This could enhance the university’s visibility and involvement in a major international event.
Vanderbilt’s Department of Political Science could conduct research on the implications of hosting the Olympics on national security and international relations. This research could provide valuable insights and position Vanderbilt as a thought leader in the field.
Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering should consider developing projects or partnerships focused on transportation and infrastructure improvements related to the Olympics. This could provide practical applications for research and innovation in these fields.
Vanderbilt’s Athletics Department might explore opportunities to engage with Olympic committees or athletes, potentially offering facilities or expertise in sports science and training.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s International Programs to expand its reach by facilitating cultural exchange programs or hosting international delegations in conjunction with the Olympics.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on security and counterterrorism by developing new research initiatives or partnerships with federal agencies, enhancing its reputation in these critical areas.
The emphasis on interagency cooperation and information-sharing offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Law School to engage in policy analysis and advocacy, potentially influencing legal and regulatory frameworks related to the Olympics.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents some adjustments needed to processes or procedures for Vanderbilt’s programs due to potential collaborations and research opportunities.)

Average Relevance Score: 4

Timeline for Implementation

Agency heads must submit their reports by October 1, 2025. (Approximately 57 days from the issuance date on August 5, 2025.)
The Task Force is scheduled to terminate on December 31, 2028.

Relevance Score: 4

Impacted Government Organizations

White House Task Force on the 2028 Summer Olympics: Established to oversee all planning and implementation related to the Olympics, coordinating multiple federal agencies and White House offices.
The Office of the President: Serving as Chair of the task force and leading overall strategic direction and coordination.
The Office of the Vice President: Serving as Vice Chair of the task force, contributing to strategic oversight and coordination.
Department of Homeland Security: Housed as the administrative home for the task force; responsible for providing funding and administrative support, and ensuring security for the event.
Department of State: Tasked with international diplomacy and coordination for foreign participants.
Department of the Treasury: Involved in financial planning, budgeting, and funding aspects related to hosting the Games.
Department of Defense: Responsible for ensuring national security and coordinating defense measures during the event.
Department of Justice (Attorney General): Charged with legal oversight and addressing regulatory or legal challenges.
Department of Commerce: Plays a role in economic planning and supporting the commercial interests associated with the Games.
Department of Transportation: Focused on ensuring world-class transportation solutions for the influx of visitors.
White House Senior Staff – Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff: Involved in strategic coordination and execution of task force activities.
White House Senior Staff – Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs: Provides expertise on security matters, impacting interagency coordination for the Games.
White House Senior Staff – Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff: Supports the President in daily oversight and ensures effective interagency communication.
White House Senior Staff – Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor: Advises on policy and homeland security issues related to the event.
White House Senior Staff – Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative, Political and Public Affairs: Oversees legislative and political coordination for ensuring smooth execution of the initiatives.
White House Senior Staff – Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications and Cabinet Secretary: Handles communications and serves as a key liaison with other government entities and the Cabinet.
White House Senior Staff – Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Implementation: Focused on executing and monitoring the strategic plan for the Games.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Director: Involved in law enforcement readiness and counterterrorism measures during the event.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – Chairman: Plays a role in ensuring effective communication and media coordination during the Games.
Other Executive Departments and Agencies: Additional executive branch organizations may be designated as needed to support the planning and implementation of the Games.

Relevance Score: 5 (The directive impacts a broad array of government agencies and White House offices across the federal government.)

Responsible Officials

President – As Chair of the Task Force, responsible for overall leadership and for designating the Executive Director to oversee day-to-day operations.
Vice President – Serving as Vice Chair and assisting in the leadership of the Task Force.
Designated Executive Director – Selected by the Chair to administer and execute the daily operations of the Task Force, reporting through the Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Implementation.
Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Implementation – Aiding in the oversight and delegation of ongoing Task Force activities.
Heads of Key Federal Agencies and Departments – Including, but not limited to, the Secretaries of State, Treasury, Defense, Commerce, Transportation, Homeland Security, and the Attorney General, as well as other designated White House officials, who must coordinate with and report on agency-specific planning and operations for the 2028 Games.
Department of Homeland Security – Responsible for providing administrative support and funding by housing the Task Force.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect top-level, Cabinet, and White House officials with national strategic implications.)