Trump skips Super Bowl, blasts halftime performers

President Donald Trump has confirmed he will not attend this year’s Super Bowl.

And he didn’t miss the chance to unload sharp criticism of the event while explaining his decision.

Inside his reasons

The Super Bowl — America’s most-watched television spectacle — will take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. U.S. President Donald Trump made history last year by becoming the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl, but this year, he plans to stay home.

During an interview with the New York Post, the 79-year-old president made it clear he has no intention of being in California when the spectacle kicks off on February 8.

“It’s just too far away. I would. I’ve gotten great hands for the Super Bowl, they like me,” Trump said and added: “I would go if, you know, it was a little bit shorter.”

While discussing his absence, Trump also took aim at the game’s entertainment lineup, calling it a major misstep. This year’s Super Bowl will feature Green Day as the opening act, with Bad Bunny headlining the halftime show, two artists who have been outspoken critics of Trump and his policies.

“I want to apologize to the immigrants…”

Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has repeatedly spoken out against immigration crackdowns and ICE raids.

The Puerto Rican artist has also addressed backlash over his selection as halftime headliner. Last year, he released a song titled “Nuevayol,” which includes an impression of Trump “apologizing” to immigrants:

“I want to apologize to the immigrants in America. . . . This country is nothing without the immigrants. This country is nothing without Mexicans, Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, Colombians, Venezuelans, Cubans.”

Green Day, meanwhile, have made their opposition to Trump unmistakable for years. Their 2004 album American Idiot became a defining political statement, capturing post-9/11 disillusionment during the Iraq War era.

More recently, the band has altered lyrics during live performances, changing “I’m not a part of a redneck agenda” to: “I’m not a part of a MAGA agenda.”

“The worst problem I see about Trump is who his followers are. I actually feel bad for them, because they’re poor, working-class people who can’t get a leg up. They’re pissed off and he’s preyed on their anger. He just said, ‘You have no options and I’m the only one, and I’m going to take care of it myself.’ I mean, that’s f***ing Hitler, man!”

“I’m anti-them”

In response to the Super Bowl lineup, Trump dismissed the choices outright during an interview:

“I’m anti-them. I think it’s a terrible choice. All it does is sow hatred. Terrible.”

Despite the controversy, Green Day has expressed excitement about opening Super Bowl 60 in their home state. Armstrong said in a statement: “We are super hyped to open Super Bowl 60 right in our backyard!”

“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!”

Bad Bunny has also begun building anticipation for the event, releasing a trailer that shows him dancing through Puerto Rico to his song “BAILE INoLVIDABLE,” which translates to “Unforgettable Dance.”