Kevin McCarthy and Reince Priebus Join Los Angeles Olympics Board

LOS ANGELES — November 21, 2025 — Kevin McCarthy and Reince Priebus have been appointed to the board of directors overseeing the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, officials said Thursday. The appointments were made by Donald Trump following his recent executive orders addressing women’s eligibility policies in sports.

The inclusion of McCarthy and Priebus, both known for their close ties to Trump, marks a notable development in the governance of the upcoming Olympic Games. The Los Angeles Olympics board is responsible for guiding the planning and execution of the international event scheduled to take place in 2028.

Kevin McCarthy, a prominent political figure with extensive experience in legislative leadership, and Reince Priebus, a former White House chief of staff and Republican National Committee chairman, bring political expertise to the board. Their roles are expected to influence the strategic direction and policy decisions related to the Games.

The appointments follow Trump’s issuance of executive orders aimed at setting new standards for women’s participation and eligibility in Olympic sports. These orders have sparked discussions across various sectors, including sports organizations and advocacy groups, regarding the implications for athletes and competition rules.

The Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee has stated that it welcomes the involvement of diverse leaders to ensure a successful and inclusive event. However, some observers have noted that the addition of politically aligned figures to the board could shape the event’s governance in ways that reflect broader political priorities.

Preparations for the 2028 Olympics are underway, with the board playing a critical role in overseeing infrastructure development, security planning, and coordination with international sports bodies. The board’s composition is closely watched as it signals the priorities and approach that will guide the Games.

Officials emphasized that the appointments are part of a broader effort to bring experienced leadership to the organizing committee. They noted that McCarthy and Priebus’s backgrounds in government and administration are assets in managing the complex logistics of hosting a global event.

The executive orders on women’s eligibility policies, signed by Trump shortly before the appointments, aim to establish clear guidelines for athlete participation based on sex. These policies have been met with mixed reactions, with supporters arguing they protect fairness in competition and critics raising concerns about inclusivity and rights.

As the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics approach, the board’s decisions on policy and management will be closely monitored by stakeholders across the sports and political arenas. The integration of McCarthy and Priebus into the board underscores the intersection of sports administration and political influence in the lead-up to the Games.