U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he will not attend Super Bowl LX, scheduled for February 8 in Santa Clara, California. He cited the distance as a key reason for skipping the country’s biggest sporting event. Trump said that if the game were closer, he would have considered attending, adding that he is usually well received by fans at major sports events. His absence, however, did not prevent him from commenting publicly on the Super Bowl in the days leading up to the game.
The president also criticized the artists selected for the halftime show, calling the musical choices a poor fit for an event of this magnitude. In his view, the show does not contribute to the sense of unity that typically surrounds the Super Bowl. Among the confirmed halftime performers are Bad Bunny and Green Day, both of whom have previously voiced criticism of Trump and his administration through public statements and performances.
The NFL defended its decision to feature the artists, emphasizing that the Super Bowl aims to showcase a broad range of cultural and musical expressions, regardless of political viewpoints. Bad Bunny has previously sparked debate over social issues and his relationship with U.S. audiences, while Green Day has drawn attention by altering lyrics of well-known songs during live performances as a form of political expression.
Trump’s relationship with major sporting events has been marked by mixed reactions in the past. During previous NFL games he attended, his presence prompted divided responses from fans, including boos in some stadiums. As Super Bowl LX approaches, attention returns to the game itself and the global spectacle surrounding it, while off-field controversies remain part of the broader backdrop that often accompanies the NFL’s biggest night.
