Trump to Skip Super Bowl LX, Criticizes NFL’s Artist Choices
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former President Donald Trump will not attend Super Bowl LX, scheduled for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, and has publicly criticized the NFL’s selection of Bad Bunny and Green Day as performers for the event. The decision highlights a growing cultural divide and raises questions about the intersection of politics and entertainment.
The former president, in an exclusive interview with The New York Post, described the artist lineup as a “terrible decision,” asserting they “sow hatred.” “I’m against them. I think it’s a terrible decision.The only thing they do is sow hatred. Terrible,” he stated.
Beyond the music: Distance and Past Experiences
While Trump voiced strong disapproval of the musical acts,he indicated that the primary reason for his absence isn’t solely based on the entertainment choices. He explained that the Super Bowl’s location, in the San Francisco Bay Area, feels “too far away,” though he suggested he might reconsider if the travel were less extensive. He contrasted this with previous Super Bowl appearances, recalling having “excellent people” at the event and “they had a good time.” He attended last year’s game in New Orleans between the Kansas City Chiefs and the philadelphia Eagles.
A Clash of Ideologies
Trump’s criticism stems from a perceived ideological conflict with both artists. He characterized Bad Bunny and Green Day as being contrary to his own political figure and agenda.This assessment is rooted in the artists’ public stances on issues important to Trump’s base.
Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican artist slated to headline the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show, has been a vocal critic of Trump, even incorporating a Trump impersonation into one of his songs to deliver a message of apology to immigrant and Latino communities. Similarly, Billie Joe Armstrong, the lead vocalist of Green Day, has publicly supported “anti-deportation” protesters and spoken out against the “MAGA agenda.”
Bad Bunny’s Limited U.S. Performances
The Super bowl performance will be particularly meaningful for Bad Bunny, as it will be his only scheduled concert in the United States in 2026. This limited engagement is reportedly due to concerns about potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations targeting his shows and impacting immigrant attendees. In recent statements, Bad Bunny has expressed fears that his concerts could become focal points for raids.
NFL’s Lineup and Opening Ceremony Plans
The NFL announced that Bad Bunny will headline the halftime show, while Green Day will participate in the opening ceremony. The choice of these artists, known for their progressive views, has drawn sharp criticism from Trump, who views it as a intentional attempt to alienate his supporters. The NFL has not publicly responded to Trump’s comments.
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