Donald Trump reveals why he won’t attend this year’s Super Bowl following criticism of the NFL

Donald Trump has explained why he will not attend this year’s Super Bowl and shared strong opinions about the artists performing. His comments come as anticipation builds for one of the biggest sporting and entertainment events of the year.

The Super Bowl is the annual NFL championship game and is hosted in a different US city each year. In 2026, Super Bowl LX will take place on 8 February at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, featuring the New England Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks.

Beyond football, the event is famous for its halftime show and celebrity-filled audience. Last year’s Super Bowl attracted a record 127.7 million viewers, with Kendrick Lamar headlining the halftime performance.

This year, Grammy-winning artist Bad Bunny will perform at halftime, while rock band Green Day will open the show. Many fans welcomed the announcement, but Trump, now 79, was far less enthusiastic.

In an interview with the New York Post, Trump described the lineup as a “terrible choice,” claiming it promotes division. Despite this, he said he would have attended if the event were held closer to him.

Bad Bunny has previously criticised Trump, including through his music and public statements supporting immigrants. He has also avoided touring parts of the US due to concerns about immigration enforcement.

Green Day have likewise been vocal critics of Trump, with frontman Billie Joe Armstrong often altering song lyrics during performances to reference the former president. With outspoken performers involved, this year’s Super Bowl could spark more than just sporting excitement.