President Donald J. Trump has officially announced that he will not attend this year’s Super Bowl, marking a notable shift from his high‑profile appearance at the game last season.
In a wide‑ranging interview with the New York Post, the 79‑year‑old leader explained his decision — and used the moment to sharply criticize the event’s entertainment lineup.
Super Bowl 60 — scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2026 — will take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The West Coast location places the event far from Washington, D.C., where Trump currently resides, and far from his political base in Florida.
Trump’s decision not to attend follows his historic appearance at last year’s Super Bowl in New Orleans, where he became the first sitting U.S. president to attend the championship game in person.
Primary Reason Cited: Distance and Logistics
In the interview, Trump emphasized distance and logistics as the main reasons for skipping this year’s game. While he didn’t rule out attending future Super Bowls, he made it clear that the long trip to California — and the time away from the White House or his personal base — played a major role in his choice. “It’s just too far away. I would… They like me at the Super Bowl,” Trump said, adding that he would attend if the distance were shorter.
Travel and scheduling are common considerations for presidents attending major public events, especially those far from the nation’s capital. But Trump’s remarks about the entertainment lineup suggest additional factors beyond travel.
Sharp Criticism of Super Bowl Performers
Alongside his travel explanation, Trump also criticized the musical performers set for Super Bowl 60 — particularly Bad Bunny and Green Day.
Bad Bunny Headlining the Halftime Show
Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny is slated to headline the halftime show. One of the world’s most streamed performers, he is known for blending Latin trap, reggaeton, and socially conscious themes.
In recent years, Bad Bunny has spoken out on immigration issues and social justice, at times criticizing U.S. immigration policy and expressing solidarity with immigrant communities.
These positions have often put him at odds with conservative critics, including Trump and members of his political base.
Green Day and Political Expression
Rock band Green Day — known for songs like American Idiot — will perform during the opening ceremony. The band has a long history of political commentary, and frontman Billie Joe Armstrong has been outspoken in his criticism of Trump and other political leaders.
Green Day has altered lyrics during live performances to reflect current politics, and Armstrong frequently addresses political issues onstage.
Trump’s “Anti‑Them” Statement
One of the most widely quoted moments from Trump’s interview was his blunt assessment of the performers. When asked about Bad Bunny and Green Day, he said: “I’m anti‑them. I think it’s a terrible choice. All it does is sow hatred. Terrible.”
The phrase “anti‑them” stood out because it conveyed not just disagreement with the entertainment choices, but an explicit rejection of the performers themselves.
Trump insisted the entertainers were not the sole reason for skipping the game, reiterating that distance was the primary factor — but his comments made clear he views the lineup negatively.
Context: Why the Artists Matter Politically
The controversy surrounding the performers reflects broader political and cultural divides in the U.S.
Bad Bunny’s Political Commentary
Bad Bunny has criticized aspects of U.S. immigration policy and social inequality. Before the Super Bowl announcement, he explained that he avoided touring major parts of the U.S. due to concerns that immigration enforcement actions could affect his fans.
He also released satirical material referencing U.S. political figures, including a track featuring a voice impression of Trump apologizing to immigrants — a clip that circulated widely online.
Green Day’s Longstanding Political Criticism
Green Day has criticized multiple administrations, but their lyrical changes and public remarks over the past decade have made them closely associated with anti‑Trump sentiment. Examples include altered lines in American Idiot and public statements comparing political trends to authoritarianism.
Reaction from the NFL and Fans
Despite the political commentary surrounding the performers, NFL leadership has defended the entertainment lineup.
Commissioner Roger Goodell and other league officials noted that artists like Bad Bunny and Green Day attract diverse audiences and global attention, and that the entertainment is meant to appeal to fans from many backgrounds.
Fan reactions have been mixed. Supporters of Bad Bunny and Green Day praised the choices, seeing them as reflective of the NFL’s cultural reach. Others — including some conservative commentators — agreed with Trump and expressed disappointment.
Overall, the performers have sparked debate about how major cultural events intersect with political expression.
Trump’s Super Bowl History
Trump’s relationship with major sporting events has evolved. During his first year back in the White House, he attended Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans, becoming the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl in person. The appearance was notable both for the historic milestone and the warm reception he received.
Despite that precedent, the 2026 Super Bowl marks a shift: Trump is choosing not to attend, even though he previously embraced the opportunity to appear on one of the nation’s biggest stages.
How This Fits Broader Political Dynamics
Trump’s comments come at a politically charged moment, with sports and entertainment increasingly intersecting with public debate.
High‑profile performers like Bad Bunny and Green Day are not just musicians — their public identities include political commentary, making their presence at the Super Bowl significant to both critics and supporters.
While Trump maintains that distance is the primary reason for skipping the game — and insists the performers were not the true cause — his strong language has amplified the conversation about politics, culture, and national entertainment.
What Else to Know About Super Bowl 60
Key details about the event:
- Date & Venue: Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California
- Teams: New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks
- Performers: Green Day in the opening ceremony; Bad Bunny headlining the halftime show
- Broadcast: Airing on NBC and Telemundo, with streaming options available
Conclusion
President Donald Trump’s announcement that he will not attend Super Bowl 60 has become a story of its own, blending cultural preferences, political identity, and sports fandom in a way few events can.
While Trump cites logistical concerns as the main reason for his absence, his sharp criticism of performers Bad Bunny and Green Day — calling them “a terrible choice” and saying he is “anti‑them” — has intensified the ongoing conversation about the intersection of politics and entertainment.
Whether this will have any lasting impact on the NFL, future Super Bowls, or broader political discourse remains unclear — but for now, it has added an extra layer of national attention to the 2026 championship game.
