In a surprising turn of events, Donald Trump has announced that he will not be attending this year's Super Bowl, citing the distance as the primary reason. But here's where it gets controversial—the former president didn’t hold back when expressing his opinions about the performers scheduled to take the stage. During a recent interview, he criticized both Green Day and Bad Bunny, calling their selection for this year's halftime show a 'terrible choice.' Trump even went as far as to declare his outright opposition to these artists, claiming that their inclusion only promotes hatred.
Explaining his absence, Trump told the New York Post that his decision was primarily logistical—mentioning that Levi’s Stadium, where the game will be held on February 8 in Santa Clara, California, is 'just too far away' for him to make it. Despite having enjoyed previous Super Bowls, he remarked, 'I’ve had great experiences at the event. They like me,' he added, suggesting he’d consider attending if the location were more convenient.
Beyond the logistical reasons, Trump also slammed the NFL’s choice of musical acts. Specifically, he criticized Green Day, who are performing during the pre-game concert, and Bad Bunny, the headliner for the halftime show. Trump’s comments were blunt; he openly declared, 'I’m anti-them,' and labeled their selection as 'a terrible decision' that merely fuels discord and hostility among different groups.
This controversy isn’t new. Trump had previously voiced dismissive opinions about Bad Bunny in October 2025, stating, 'I never heard of him,' and expressing confusion over why such an artist was chosen to perform at such a major event. He critiqued the process by which performers are selected, blaming a hired promoter, and called the entire situation 'ridiculous.'
Both artists have had their share of disagreements with the former president. Green Day’s lead singer, Billie Joe Armstrong, has been outspoken in criticizing the Trump administration, especially after the ICE shooting incident in Minnesota, where Armstrong emphasized, 'I'm not a part of a redneck agenda. I’m not a part of the MAGA movement.' Their outspoken stance adds fuel to the ongoing debate about the intersection of politics, entertainment, and public figures’ opinions.
This story touches on ongoing discussions about whether celebrities should use large platforms to promote political messages and how their participation in mainstream events can be perceived differently depending on personal and political perspectives. Do you agree with Trump’s assessment of the artists and his decision to skip the event? Or do you believe art and entertainment should remain separate from politics? Share your thoughts—this is a debate that’s far from over.
