SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Former President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he will not attend this year’s Super Bowl, scheduled to take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, citing both the distance and his disapproval of the halftime performers. Trump, who attended last year’s game in New Orleans, criticized the NFL’s selection of Bad Bunny and Green Day for the halftime show, calling it a “terrible choice.”
In an interview with the New York Post, Trump expressed frustration over the location, stating, “It’s just too far away. I would, I’ve [gotten] great hands [at] the Super Bowl. They like me.” He added that he might consider attending if the venue were closer, but the California stadium’s distance from his base was a deterrent.
The Super Bowl, one of the most-watched sporting events in the United States, has often drawn high-profile attendees, including sitting and former presidents. Trump’s decision marks a departure from his attendance at the 2025 game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Trump’s criticism of the halftime performers is consistent with his previous comments. Since Bad Bunny was announced as a headliner last year, Trump has expressed confusion and disapproval. “I don’t know who he is,” Trump told Newsmax last fall. “I don’t know why they’re doing it. It’s crazy. And then they blame it on some promoter they hired.”
The NFL’s choice to feature Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican rapper and singer known for his reggaeton and Latin trap style, alongside the veteran punk rock band Green Day, reflects the league’s ongoing efforts to diversify its entertainment lineup and appeal to a broad audience. The halftime show is a major cultural event, often sparking debate over performer selections and political statements.
Levi’s Stadium, located near San Jose, California, has hosted major sporting events since its opening in 2014, including the 2019 Super Bowl. The stadium’s location on the West Coast contrasts with last year’s game in New Orleans, which was more centrally located for attendees from the eastern United States.
While Trump’s absence may be noted by fans and media alike, the NFL continues to promote the event as a celebration of sport and entertainment. The league also recently announced that the 60th Super Bowl will feature a Black national anthem performer, further highlighting its commitment to inclusion and cultural recognition.
For more details on the Super Bowl and NFL events, visit the official NFL Super Bowl page. Information about Levi’s Stadium and its events can be found at the Levi’s Stadium official site. To explore the NFL’s diversity initiatives, see the NFL Community page. For broader context on presidential attendance at major sporting events, the White House Press Office offers official statements and historical records.
As the Super Bowl approaches, attention will remain on the game itself and the halftime show, with or without Trump’s presence.
