President Donald Trump has made his halftime show preferences crystal clear ahead of Sunday’s Super Bowl matchup.
And it’s not the official NFL performance.
According to Fox News, Trump would rather watch Kid Rock than Bad Bunny and Green Day, who are slated to headline the halftime show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
The revelation comes as conservative group Turning Point USA prepares to launch a competing “All American” halftime show featuring the Detroit rapper.
White House Makes Trump’s Position Clear
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt didn’t mince words when discussing Trump’s viewing plans during a press briefing with reporters.
I think the president would much prefer a Kid Rock performance over Bad Bunny. I must say that.
The comment signals Trump’s alignment with conservative voices who have criticized Bad Bunny and Green Day for their outspoken opposition to various Trump administration policies.
Some conservative commentators have labeled Bad Bunny as too “woke,” spurring TPUSA’s decision to organize an alternative halftime celebration that they’re billing as more patriotic.
The Alternative Halftime Show Takes Shape
Turning Point USA’s counter-programming represents an unprecedented move in Super Bowl history.
Kid Rock, who has been a vocal Trump supporter for years, will headline what organizers are calling an “All American” performance designed to compete directly with the NFL’s official entertainment.
The competing shows highlight deepening cultural divides around America’s biggest sporting event, traditionally viewed as a unifying national moment.
Bad Bunny, one of the world’s most-streamed artists, and punk rock legends Green Day both have histories of political activism that have put them at odds with Trump’s political base.
NFL Commissioner Defends Artist Selection
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed mounting concerns about potential political statements during Monday’s press conference.
Listen, Bad Bunny is, and I think that was demonstrated last night, one of the great artists in the world, and that’s one of the reasons we chose him.
Goodell emphasized that Bad Bunny understands the responsibility that comes with performing on such a massive platform.
But the other reason is he understood the platform he was on, and this platform is used to unite people and to be able to bring people together with their creativity, with their talents and to be able to use this moment to do that.
The commissioner expressed confidence that Bad Bunny would deliver an inclusive performance focused on entertainment rather than political messaging.
Trump Stays Neutral on Game Outcome
While Trump made his halftime preference known, Leavitt revealed he’s taking a diplomatic approach to Sunday’s matchup between Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots.
The president has wisely chosen not to make a prediction on Sunday night’s game, but as a native girl from New Hampshire, go Patriots.
Leavitt’s personal endorsement of New England reflects her regional loyalty, though she made clear Trump himself isn’t picking sides in the championship battle.
The decision to remain neutral on game outcome while voicing strong opinions about halftime entertainment showcases Trump’s selective engagement with different aspects of America’s most-watched television event.
What This Means for Super Bowl Sunday
The competing halftime shows create an unusual scenario where viewers will effectively choose between two different visions of American entertainment.
Here’s what makes this situation unprecedented:
- Dual programming: Viewers can watch either official NFL halftime or TPUSA’s alternative
- Political alignment: Entertainment choices now signal ideological preferences
- Presidential endorsement: Trump’s stated preference gives legitimacy to counter-programming
- Cultural symbolism: Super Bowl halftime becomes referendum on American values
Whether Bad Bunny and Green Day’s performance will focus purely on music or include any political messaging remains to be seen.
Goodell’s public statements suggest the NFL has received assurances that Sunday’s show will prioritize unity and entertainment over divisive political commentary.
Meanwhile, millions of Americans will make their own choice about which halftime show—if any—aligns with their personal values and entertainment preferences.