President Donald Trump won’t be making an appearance at Super Bowl LX this February in Santa Clara, California.
Distance isn’t his only concern.
In a recent interview with the New York Post, Trump cited both the cross-country travel and his strong opposition to this year’s halftime performers as reasons for skipping America’s biggest sporting event.
Bad Bunny and Green Day—two artists who have been outspoken critics of Trump and his administration—are set to take center stage during halftime, creating what appears to be an uncomfortable collision of politics and entertainment.
Distance and Distaste
Trump made his position clear when discussing his decision not to attend.
It’s just too far away. I would. I’ve (gotten) great hands (at) the Super Bowl. They like me.
But geography wasn’t his only complaint. When asked about the halftime performers, Trump didn’t hold back.
I’m anti-them. I think it’s a terrible choice. All it does is sow hatred. Terrible.
This marks a stark contrast from last year, when Trump attended Super Bowl LIX between Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles.
Bad Bunny’s Political Stance
Bad Bunny has been vocal about his concerns regarding Trump’s immigration policies. During his tour last year, the Puerto Rican superstar notably avoided performing in continental United States venues.
His reasoning centered on fears that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids could endanger his fans—many of whom are Latino.
This protective stance toward his fanbase has drawn both praise and criticism. Some circles have pushed back against his outward opposition to Trump, while others have celebrated his willingness to use his platform for political expression.
His selection for Super Bowl LX represents a significant moment, bringing an artist with explicitly anti-Trump views to one of America’s most-watched stages.
Green Day’s Modified Lyrics
Green Day has taken their criticism directly into their performances. During recent live shows, lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong has altered lyrics from their hit single “American Idiot.”
Instead of singing the original line “I’m not part of a redneck agenda,” Armstrong now belts out a modified version targeting Trump supporters directly.
“I’m not part of the MAGA agenda,” he declares, transforming a 20-year-old song into contemporary political commentary.
This lyrical change has become a regular feature of their performances, signaling that fans attending Super Bowl LX can likely expect similar modifications during their halftime appearance.
NFL Stands Firm on Performer Selection
Despite backlash from certain quarters, NFL leadership has vigorously defended their choice of Bad Bunny for halftime entertainment.
Tim Ellis, NFL chief marketing officer, addressed criticism head-on during comments made in October.
There’s a lot of people right now who don’t like Bad Bunny being in the Super Bowl halftime show. Well, not everyone has to like everything we do. Bad Bunny is f—ing awesome.
Ellis’s colorful defense underscores the league’s commitment to featuring artists with broad appeal, even when those choices invite political controversy.
Bad Bunny remains one of the world’s most-streamed artists, with massive global reach that extends well beyond any single political demographic.
Trump’s Mixed Reception at Sporting Events
Trump’s claim that people “like me” at sporting events doesn’t align with recent experiences. When he appeared at a Detroit Lions-Washington Commanders game in November, he was met with audible boos from attendees.
This reaction suggests his presence at major sporting events has become increasingly polarizing, regardless of venue or team allegiances.
Super Bowl audiences represent diverse political viewpoints, making any presidential appearance—current or former—a potential flashpoint for divided reactions.
Politics and Entertainment Collide
Super Bowl LX has transformed from merely a championship game into a cultural battleground where entertainment choices carry political weight.
The selection of performers who have explicitly criticized Trump creates an environment where attendance itself becomes a statement. Trump’s decision to skip the event—citing both distance and disgust—removes him from potential controversy while allowing him to voice his disapproval publicly.
Whether fans tune in for football or halftime spectacle, this year’s Super Bowl will inevitably carry political undertones that extend far beyond what happens on the field.
February 8 promises entertainment, athletic excellence, and perhaps most notably, a very public absence from America’s 47th president.