Former President Donald Trump has publicly declared his intention to boycott this year's Super Bowl, citing strong opposition to the musical acts scheduled to perform. In an interview published on Saturday, the 79-year-old labelled the NFL's selection of opening act Green Day and halftime performer Bad Bunny as "a terrible choice" that sows division.
Trump's Vocal Criticism of Super Bowl Lineup
Speaking to the New York Post from the Oval Office, Trump did not mince words about the performers. "I'm anti-them. I think it's a terrible choice. All it does is sow hatred. Terrible," he stated emphatically. However, the former president offered an alternative explanation for his planned absence, suggesting logistical concerns were the primary factor.
"It's just too far away. I would. I've gotten great hands for the Super Bowl, they like me," Trump remarked, referring to the event's location in San Francisco. "I would go if, you know, it was a little bit shorter."
Controversial Performers with Political Histories
The NFL's decision to feature these particular artists has already generated significant discussion in political and sporting circles. Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican Latin trap superstar, has been an outspoken critic of Trump's immigration policies and treatment of Puerto Rico. His 2025 track "Nuevayol" features a simulated Trump voice apologising to immigrants, stating: "This country is nothing without the immigrants. This country is nothing without Mexicans, Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, Colombians, Venezuelans, Cubans."
Adding to the controversy, unconfirmed reports from a stylist suggest Bad Bunny may wear a dress during his halftime performance to honour Puerto Rican queer icons and drag culture, though neither the artist nor the NFL has verified this claim.
Green Day's Longstanding Opposition
Meanwhile, Green Day, the punk rock band formed in California's East Bay during the 1980s, brings its own history of political commentary. Frontman Billie Joe Armstrong has repeatedly denounced the Trump administration during live performances, notably altering lyrics to their Grammy-nominated song "American Idiot" to reference the "MAGA agenda" instead of the original "redneck agenda."
Last summer, Armstrong led Download Festival attendees in chanting "fat bastard" directed at Trump. Despite this history, the band expressed excitement about their Super Bowl opportunity. "We are super hyped to open Super Bowl 60 right in our backyard!" Armstrong said in an official statement. "We are honored to welcome the MVPs who've shaped the game and open the night for fans all over the world. Let's have fun! Let's get loud!"
Trump's Recent Sporting Attendance
This announcement contrasts with Trump's recent presence at major sporting events. He attended last year's Super Bowl in New Orleans, witnessing the Philadelphia Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs. Just this week, he received an enthusiastic reception at the College Football Playoff national championship in Miami, where he attended with family members and waved to the crowd during the national anthem before Indiana completed an undefeated championship season.
The former president's decision to publicly criticise the Super Bowl performers while citing travel concerns highlights the ongoing intersection of politics, entertainment, and sport in American culture. As Super Bowl 60 approaches in San Francisco, the controversy surrounding the musical lineup continues to generate headlines beyond the sporting arena.
