Trump Loyalists Lewandowski and Leavitt Enjoy Super Bowl as President Skips Event
Two of Donald Trump's most steadfast aides, Corey Lewandowski and Karoline Leavitt, were observed attending the Super Bowl in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, while the President himself opted not to be present at the high-profile sports event. This notable absence came as Trump chose to watch the game from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, surrounded by political allies and advisors, rather than joining the live audience at Levi's Stadium.
Lewandowski's High-Profile Presence at the Game
Corey Lewandowski, who holds significant influence within the Department of Homeland Security as an unofficial chief of staff to Kristi Noem, was actively seen moving around the Super Bowl venue. He arrived in Santa Clara two days prior to the game, as confirmed in a statement to a local reporter. Lewandowski expressed his excitement about attending the event with media personality David Portnoy, exclaiming, 'I get to walk the game with David Portnoy! How great is that!?'
From his premium suite at Levi's Stadium, Lewandowski shared photos on social media platform X, including an image of former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Interestingly, he was seated in close proximity to Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom, posting a picture of the governor with the caption: 'Gavin enjoying the high life at the Super Bowl.' This proximity highlights the bipartisan nature of the event, despite the political divides often associated with Trump's circle.
Leavitt's Family-Focused Super Bowl Experience
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, a New Hampshire native and Patriots fan like Lewandowski, also documented her Super Bowl attendance on social media. She posted Instagram photos with her nephew and brother, capturing moments such as watching a United States Air Force flyover before the game commenced. Her presence underscored a personal, family-oriented aspect of the event, contrasting with the political undertones of Trump's remote viewing party.
Trump's Harsh Critique of the Halftime Show
While his aides enjoyed the live spectacle, President Trump launched a scathing critique of the halftime show from Mar-a-Lago. He branded the performance, headlined by Bad Bunny (real name Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio), as the 'worst show ever' in a post on Truth Social. Trump elaborated, stating, 'It makes no sense, is an affront to the Greatness of America, and doesn't represent our standards of Success, Creativity, or Excellence.' He further criticized the performance for its perceived lack of clarity and appropriateness, adding, 'Nobody understands a word this guy is saying, and the dancing is disgusting, especially for young children that are watching from throughout the U.S.A., and all over the World.' Trump concluded that Bad Bunny's act was a 'slap in the face' to the White House.
Conservative Alternative and Political Context
Trump's decision to skip the Super Bowl coincided with millions of conservatives tuning out the official halftime show in favor of Turning Point USA's 'All American Halftime Show,' which featured Kid Rock and included a special tribute to the organization's deceased founder, Charlie Kirk. This alternative viewing choice reflects broader cultural and political divisions, with Trump's criticism aligning with conservative sentiments.
Reports suggest that Trump avoided attending the Super Bowl due to advice that the crowd might boo him, a factor that could have influenced his remote participation. The White House has been contacted for further comment on the matter, but no additional statements have been released at this time.
Background on Lewandowski's Political Resilience
Corey Lewandowski's presence at the Super Bowl is notable given his long-standing role within Trump's orbit. Described by a GOP political operative close to the White House as a 'cockroach' for his ability to survive numerous political scandals over more than a decade, Lewandowski continues to wield significant power. His attendance at such a high-profile event underscores his enduring influence and loyalty to the Trump administration, even as the President himself remains distant from the live action.
In the end, the New England Patriots lost the Super Bowl to the Seattle Seahawks with a score of 29-13, marking a disappointing outcome for fans like Lewandowski and Leavitt. However, the political narratives surrounding the event, from Trump's critiques to the aides' visible enjoyment, have added a unique layer to this year's Super Bowl story, blending sports, politics, and cultural commentary in a way that reflects the current American landscape.
