What's happened
Former President Trump expressed disapproval of this year's Super Bowl entertainment, criticizing artists Bad Bunny and Green Day for their political stances and stating he will skip the game due to its location. He also commented on his musical preferences and his reasons for not attending last year's event.
What's behind the headline?
Trump’s criticism of the Super Bowl lineup underscores the ongoing cultural divide in the US. His explicit disapproval of artists like Bad Bunny and Green Day reveals how entertainment has become a battleground for political expression. Trump's decision to skip the game, citing distance, masks deeper issues of polarization, as he openly opposes performers who criticize him. This stance may further entrench divisions, as his influence continues to shape public discourse. The choice of Santa Clara as the venue, and his refusal to attend, signals a broader strategy to distance himself from mainstream cultural events that do not align with his views. The ongoing debate over political expression in entertainment suggests that future events will increasingly reflect these tensions, potentially impacting viewership and cultural conversations.
What the papers say
Politico reports that Trump criticized the selection of artists like Bad Bunny and Green Day, calling their inclusion 'terrible' and stating he is 'anti-them.' The NY Post highlights his reasons for skipping the Super Bowl, citing distance and his dislike for the performers' political stances. Both sources emphasize the cultural and political significance of Trump's comments, illustrating how entertainment choices are now intertwined with political identity and polarization.
How we got here
Trump has historically expressed strong opinions about entertainment choices, often aligning them with his political views. This year's Super Bowl in Santa Clara features artists critical of him, such as Bad Bunny and Green Day. Trump previously attended the event in 2025, but his current stance reflects ongoing political and cultural tensions.
Go deeper
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio (Latin American Spanish: [beˈnito anˈtonjo maɾˈtines oˈkasjo]; born March 10, 1994), known professionally as Bad Bunny, is a Puerto Rican rapper, singer, record producer, and occasional professional wrestler. Dubbed th
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Green Day is an American rock band formed in the East Bay of California in 1987 by lead vocalist and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong and bassist and backing vocalist Mike Dirnt.