Donald Trump announced that he won’t attend next month’s Super Bowl in Santa Clara, California, saying the distance is just too great. He told the New York Post that if the game were closer, he might have considered going. This decision means he won’t repeat his historic appearance at last year’s Super Bowl in New Orleans, where he became the first sitting president to attend.
Throughout his second term, Trump has made a habit of showing up at major sporting events. He attended the Daytona 500, the college football national championship, and the Ryder Cup—all nearby his Florida residence or the White House.
His decision also comes amid criticism of the Super Bowl’s entertainment lineup, which features Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny and the punk rock band Green Day. Trump openly criticized these choices, calling them “terrible” and saying they “sow hatred.” He has previously remarked that he finds Bad Bunny’s selection “absolutely ridiculous” and claimed he doesn’t know much about the artist.
Bad Bunny, known for his outspoken views, has been critical of Trump and recently chose to perform in Puerto Rico rather than tour the U.S. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the lineup, stating that Bad Bunny’s global popularity drove the decision and brushed off the backlash.
While Trump insists that the choice of performers did not influence his decision to skip the game, both artists have a history of political statements that oppose his administration. Green Day’s lead singer, Billie Joe Armstrong, has been vocal about his criticism of Trump’s policies.
The Super Bowl remains a huge cultural event in the U.S., drawing nearly 130 million viewers last year, with millions more tuning in from around the world. The competing teams will be finalized after the conference championship games this weekend.
As pop culture and politics continue to intertwine, reactions to NFL decisions reflect broader trends in society. Many fans take to social media to express their opinions, showing just how much the Super Bowl’s entertainment choices can spark discussions beyond sports, tapping into the currents of national sentiment and divisive issues.
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