In a surprising turn of events, President-elect Donald Trump and International Olympics Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach have announced their collaboration on the forthcoming Summer Olympics, the first to be held in the United States since Atlanta's 1996 games.
This partnership comes after a period of uncertainty, marked by a tense exchange between the two leaders in 2017.
According to the Daily Caller, Bach has recently expressed his confidence in Trump, following their first conversation since the latter's victory in the 2024 election. "We are very confident there with regard to the steps and efforts being undertaken," Bach stated during a press conference after an IOC executive board meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland. He further noted that Trump has "repeatedly declared his support for the games, which we never had any doubt because he has declared this support from the very beginning."
Bach also conveyed the Olympic officials' relaxed attitude towards working with Trump, who will be serving his second non-consecutive term as president. This sentiment marks a significant shift from their initial interaction in June 2017, when Trump and Bach met at the White House to discuss the United States' bid for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Despite Trump's claims of securing the bid, Bach was initially less enthusiastic about the partnership.
"Pray for our world," Bach had remarked during a phone call, even after finalizing the deal with Trump. However, his recent praise for Trump indicates a change in perspective, demonstrating the dynamic nature of political relationships.
With Trump at the helm of the American Olympics, the event is expected to reflect the strength and resilience of the United States. This collaboration, born out of a shared commitment to the games, is a testament to the power of negotiation and the potential for unity, even amidst differing viewpoints.
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