This year’s Super Bowl will arrive with no shortage of excitement, anticipation, and cultural discussion. Yet one familiar public figure will not be in attendance. U.S. President Donald J. Trump has confirmed that he plans to sit out Super Bowl 60, a decision that has drawn attention not only because of his high profile, b
ut also because of his comments about the game’s entertainment lineup.
The championship event, scheduled for early February in California, is already shaping up to be one of the most widely discussed Super Bowls in recent memory. Between the venue, the performers, and the broader cultural climate, the game has become a talking point well beyond the football field.
For many Americans, especially older fans who remember decades of Super Bowl traditions, the story highlights how the event continues to evolve, blending sports, music, and national conversation in ways that feel very different from earlier eras.
A Notable Absence After a Historic Appearance
Last year, Trump made headlines by attending the Super Bowl in person, becoming the first sitting president to do so. His appearance was widely covered and marked a moment when sports and presidential visibility intersected in a very public way.
This year, however, he has chosen a different path.
In a recent media interview, Trump explained that he would not travel to attend the game. He pointed primarily to distance and scheduling considerations, noting that the host city is located on the West Coast, far from his current residence and usual travel routes.
For presidents and former presidents alike, attendance at major sporting events often depends on logistics. Travel time, security requirements, and scheduling demands can make cross-country trips more complex than they appear. In this case, Trump indicated that the long distance played a central role in his decision.
While he did not rule out attending future Super Bowls altogether, he made it clear that this particular location made attendance impractical.
Super Bowl 60 and Its West Coast Setting
Super Bowl 60 will take place at Levi’s Stadium, located in Santa Clara, California, in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. The stadium is known for its modern design and has hosted major sporting and entertainment events since opening.
For fans on the East Coast and in the central United States, a California Super Bowl often means later kickoff times and longer travel. For public figures with packed schedules, it can also mean extended time away from other commitments.
The West Coast location alone would have made this Super Bowl a different experience from last year’s game, which was held in New Orleans and more centrally located for many attendees.
Entertainment Choices Take Center Stage
Beyond travel considerations, Trump also commented on the entertainment planned for this year’s Super Bowl. As with many modern Super Bowls, the musical lineup has drawn just as much attention as the teams on the field.
The halftime show will be headlined by Bad Bunny, one of the most streamed artists in the world. Known for his energetic performances and genre-blending music, Bad Bunny has built a massive international following.
The opening ceremony will feature Green Day, a group with a long history in American rock music and decades of chart-topping success.
Trump expressed strong personal dislike for these entertainment choices, describing them as divisive and unsuitable for an event meant to bring people together. While he emphasized that the performers were not the main reason for his absence, his remarks made it clear that he was unimpressed by the lineup.
Why the Performers Draw Strong Reactions
The debate surrounding the Super Bowl performers reflects a broader shift in how entertainment is perceived. Today’s artists are not just musicians. They are cultural figures whose public identities often include commentary on social issues, personal values, and public life.
Bad Bunny’s career has included moments of outspoken commentary on issues affecting his community and fans. His music frequently blends celebration with reflection, and his public presence resonates strongly with younger audiences and international listeners.
Green Day, meanwhile, has been known for decades as a band willing to comment on the state of American life through music. Their songs often reflect themes of frustration, self-examination, and cultural change, which has made them influential across multiple generations.
For some fans, these qualities make the performers exciting and relevant. For others, they feel out of step with the idea of the Super Bowl as a neutral, unifying event.
The NFL’s Perspective on Entertainment
The National Football League has consistently defended its entertainment choices. League officials have emphasized that the Super Bowl is designed to appeal to a broad and diverse audience, both in the United States and around the world.
According to league representatives, artists like Bad Bunny and Green Day bring global recognition and wide-ranging fan bases, helping the Super Bowl remain one of the most-watched events on the planet.
From the NFL’s point of view, the halftime show and opening performances are not endorsements of any particular viewpoint. They are part of an effort to reflect the cultural moment and engage viewers from many backgrounds.
Fans React Across Generations
As expected, fan reactions have been mixed.
Supporters of the performers have praised the lineup as exciting, modern, and reflective of today’s musical landscape. Many younger viewers and international fans have expressed enthusiasm, saying the choices feel fresh and inclusive.
At the same time, some longtime football fans have voiced disappointment, preferring entertainment that feels more traditional or less culturally charged. For these viewers, the Super Bowl is primarily about the game itself, with music meant to stay firmly in the background.
This divide is not new. For decades, Super Bowl halftime shows have sparked debate, whether featuring pop stars, rock legends, or genre-defying performers. What has changed is the speed and scale of reaction, amplified by social media and nonstop commentary.
Trump’s History With Major Sporting Events
Trump’s relationship with major sporting events has shifted over time. During his presidency, he attended select games and events, sometimes drawing both applause and criticism depending on the audience.
His appearance at last year’s Super Bowl was widely described as historic, not only because of the office he held at the time, but because of the visibility and symbolism associated with the event.
This year’s absence, by contrast, signals a more selective approach. Rather than making the Super Bowl a must-attend occasion, Trump appears content to observe from afar, especially when the location and overall setup do not align with his preferences.
Sports, Culture, and Changing Expectations
The conversation surrounding Super Bowl 60 highlights a broader reality. Sports are no longer viewed in isolation from culture. Music, fashion, advertising, and social values all converge during events like the Super Bowl.
For older viewers who remember simpler halftime shows and fewer off-field discussions, this shift can feel jarring. Yet it also reflects how the Super Bowl has grown into a global cultural event, not just a football championship.
Artists now perform not only for the crowd in the stadium, but for millions of viewers watching from living rooms, community centers, and retirement homes across the country.
What to Know About the Game Itself
While much of the discussion has focused on who will and will not attend, the game remains the centerpiece.
Super Bowl 60 will feature a matchup between two storied franchises, the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, both of which have strong fan followings and a history of memorable performances.
The broadcast will reach audiences through major television networks and streaming platforms, ensuring that fans of all ages can tune in, regardless of where they live.
A Super Bowl Shaped by the Times
Trump’s decision to skip the Super Bowl, combined with his comments on the entertainment, has added another layer to the event’s narrative. It underscores how the Super Bowl continues to reflect broader cultural conversations, even when the focus is meant to be on sports.
For some, his absence will barely register. For others, it will feel symbolic of changing relationships between public figures, entertainment, and national events.
What remains certain is that Super Bowl 60 will capture attention, spark conversation, and bring millions together, whether they are watching for the football, the music, or simply the tradition.
As the game approaches, fans across generations will tune in for different reasons. And once again, the Super Bowl will prove that it is never just about what happens on the field.
