Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show: Will Kendrick Lamar Address Trump During His Performance?

As Super Bowl LIX approaches, anticipation is at an all-time high—not just for the game, but for the highly anticipated halftime show. This year, Grammy-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar is set to take center stage, promising an electrifying performance.

However, there’s an added layer of intrigue surrounding his set. With former President Donald Trump expected to attend the game in person, speculation is swirling about whether Lamar will take the opportunity to call him out—a move that wouldn’t be entirely out of character for the politically outspoken artist.

Kendrick Lamar’s History With Trump: From Admiration to Criticism

Kendrick Lamar has never been one to shy away from voicing his thoughts, especially when it comes to social and political issues. His stance on Donald Trump, however, has undergone a dramatic shift over the years.

In 2009, before Trump’s foray into politics, Lamar referenced him alongside Bill Gates in his song Determined, seemingly admiring their wealth and success. But as Trump’s political career took shape, Lamar’s view soured significantly.

By 2017, he was openly critical of the then-president, taking direct aim at him in The Heart Part 4, where he rapped:

“Donald Trump is a chump, know how we feel, punk / Tell ’em that God comin’ / And Russia need a replay button, y’all up to somethin’.”

At the time, Trump’s alleged ties to Russia were a hot topic, and Lamar made it clear where he stood.

Beyond his lyrics, Lamar has also been vocal in supporting Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL quarterback who sparked national debate by kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality. Trump, on the other hand, was one of Kaepernick’s harshest critics, condemning the protests in no uncertain terms.

Past Performances: Making a Statement Without Saying a Word

This wouldn’t be the first time Lamar has been in the spotlight at a major sporting event while Trump was in attendance. During the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship, Trump was seated inside Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium while Lamar performed just a few miles away at Centennial Olympic Park.

Though they weren’t in the same venue, Lamar’s presence loomed large. His performance—featuring tracks like DNA. and HUMBLE.—was broadcast on the stadium’s big screens, ensuring that Trump and his supporters couldn’t ignore his message. The energy of the set, laced with powerful social commentary, underscored the tension between the two figures without Lamar ever needing to address Trump directly.

CNN described the moment as a “statement performance,” given the political climate at the time. Whether Trump actually watched the show remains unknown, but Lamar’s influence was undeniable.

Has Kendrick Moved On?

In recent years, Lamar has taken a step back from direct political jabs. Despite winning 17 Grammys and continuing to dominate the hip-hop world, he has made it clear that he no longer sees value in repeatedly criticizing Trump.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Lamar admitted that he had grown tired of the subject.

“It’s like beating a dead horse,” he said. “We already know what it is. Are we gonna keep talking about it or are we gonna take action? You just get to a point where you’re tired of talking about it. It weighs you down and it drains your energy when you’re speaking about something or someone that’s completely ridiculous.”

His comments suggest that he has moved beyond using his platform to engage in political feuds, choosing instead to focus on broader artistic and cultural statements.

Will He Make a Statement at the Super Bowl? Fans Are Divided

With Trump set to be in attendance at the Super Bowl, speculation is rampant over whether Lamar will take the opportunity to break his silence. Fans have taken to social media to debate the possibility.

One Reddit user speculated, “Not ruling it out, but a possibility.” Another was more skeptical, writing, “Doubt Kendrick would give the bum two seconds. He’s operating on a different playing field.”

Others believe he’ll keep the focus strictly on the music, with one fan commenting, “He’ll perform for 13 minutes, it’ll be incredible, and then he dips. He isn’t sneak dissing or calling out the president during the Super Bowl. Don’t be dumb.”

With SZA, Taylor Swift, and even former First Lady Jill Biden expected to be in attendance, the halftime show is already set to be one of the most talked-about moments of the night.

The only question that remains: will Kendrick keep it all about the music, or will he seize the moment to make a political statement that sends shockwaves through the stadium?

What do you think? Will Kendrick call out Trump, or will he let the music speak for itself? Let us know your thoughts!