“I’m Anti-Them”: Trump Says He Will Skip the Super Bowl and Calls Bad Bunny and Green Day “Terrible” Performers
Donald Trump has confirmed he will not attend this year’s Super Bowl, while also launching a fresh attack on several of the artists booked to perform at the event. His comments, delivered in an interview with the New York Post on January 24, have already reignited debate around the cultural and political spotlight that often surrounds the NFL’s biggest night.
The 60th Super Bowl is set to take place on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium. This year’s lineup includes Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny as the halftime headliner, Charlie Puth performing the US national anthem, Brandi Carlile singing ‘America the Beautiful’, and Green Day opening the ceremony.
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The announcement of the performers has prompted a mixed reaction, including a sizeable backlash from parts of the MAGA community, particularly over Bad Bunny’s prominent role. Trump, who attended last year’s Super Bowl, said he would be staying away this time. Explaining his decision, he told the New York Post that “it’s just too far away”.
He went on to suggest that his presence is usually welcomed at the event, adding, “I’ve [gotten] great hands [at] the Super Bowl. They like me,” before continuing, “I would go if, you know, it was a little bit shorter.” Distance was not his only complaint. Trump also took aim directly at Bad Bunny and Green Day, both of whom have previously been vocal critics of him.
Of the musicians, he said, “I’m anti-them,” before expanding his criticism to the booking decisions more broadly. “I think it’s a terrible choice. All it does is sow hatred. Terrible.” The comments underline how the Super Bowl, while primarily a sporting spectacle, has increasingly become a cultural and political flashpoint.
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High-profile halftime shows and performances are watched by tens of millions of viewers, making the selection of artists a symbolically powerful decision. In recent years, performers have often used their platforms to make statements about social issues, which in turn has drawn praise from some fans and backlash from others.
Bad Bunny’s selection as the halftime headliner is historic and significant, given his global popularity and his status as one of the most influential Latin artists of his generation. Supporters see his inclusion as a reflection of the changing face of American pop culture and the NFL’s attempt to appeal to a broader audience. Critics, however, argue that the league should avoid choices they see as politically charged.
Trump’s absence from the event is likely to be noted, particularly given his attendance last year and his ongoing presence in national political discourse. Whether his comments will affect viewership or the broader reception of the performances remains to be seen. What is clear is that, once again, the Super Bowl is shaping up to be about far more than just football.
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