WASHINGTON, D.C. – US President Donald Trump has formally invited President William Ruto to attend the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, praising Kenya’s enduring dominance in global athletics.
Speaking at the White House on Thursday during the signing of a peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Trump lauded Kenya’s sporting reputation, particularly in track events.
“President of Kenya, we have the Olympics here. They (Kenyans) do very well in the Olympics—those runners, I don’t know what the heck you do with them, but they are very good,” he said, drawing laughter from the gathering. “So we have the Olympics coming to the United States… And you’ll come as our guest.”
The United States is preparing to host the 2028 Summer Games, where Kenya is expected to field a strong team across long- and short-distance races, events in which the country has maintained a consistent global presence.
A Busy Sporting Calendar for the US
The invitation comes as the US readies for an intense sporting stretch, including co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Canada and Mexico.
The football tournament has already drawn attention over immigration and travel regulations that may affect cross-border fan movement.
For Los Angeles, the 2028 Olympics mark a historic return. The city last hosted the Games in 1984 and first did so in 1932.
This will, however, be the first time Los Angeles stages the Paralympic Games.
What to Expect at LA28
The LA28 opening ceremony is scheduled for July 14, 2028, followed by Paralympics festivities beginning August 15.
Olympic competitions will run until July 30, while the Paralympics will proceed from August 22 to September 3.
LA28 Chairperson Casey Wasserman said the event will reflect the city’s identity—“a place of ambition and possibility”—and is expected to be one of the world’s largest cultural and sporting gatherings.
Alongside the 40 sports featured at the Paris 2024 Games, LA28 will introduce six additional disciplines.
Flag football and squash will debut, while baseball, softball, lacrosse and cricket return after long absences.
During the last Los Angeles Olympics in 1984, Team USA delivered one of its strongest performances ever, topping the medal table with 174 medals, including a record 83 golds.
