Trump: “Super Bowl is too far away”; you weren’t invited sir?

A regular at sports events, but not this one

President Donald Trump has frequently appeared at major sporting events during his second term, often seated in premium sections and drawing national attention. From football to mixed martial arts, his presence has been a visible part of the sports landscape.

This year, however, the president will not attend the NFL’s championship game.

According to CNN, Trump does not plan to travel to Super Bowl LX, which will be held February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Distance offered as the official explanation

In an interview with the New York Post published Friday, Trump said the length of the trip was the primary reason for his decision.

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“It’s just too far away. I would. I’ve gotten great hands for the Super Bowl, they like me,” Trump said. He added that he would consider going if the travel were shorter.

The White House has not provided further details beyond the president’s comments.

Final matchups taking shape

While Trump will be absent, the league’s postseason continues. Four teams remain in contention for the Super Bowl title.

The Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams are set to meet in the NFC Championship, while the New England Patriots will face the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship.

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These matchups were outlined in CNN’s coverage of the upcoming game.

Halftime show fuels political friction

Beyond travel concerns, Trump has voiced strong objections to this year’s halftime performers. Bad Bunny and Green Day, both selected for the show, publicly supported Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential campaign.

“I’m anti them. I think it’s a terrible choice. All it does is sow hatred. Terrible,” Trump told the New York Post.

According to NewsMax, Trump reacted angrily when the performers were announced in October, saying he had “never heard of” Bad Bunny and dismissing the selection as “ridiculous,” despite the artist’s global popularity.

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Online reactions suggest a chilly reception

In addition to official explanations, Trump’s potential absence has sparked reactions online, where some football fans questioned whether he would have been welcomed at the event.

Across social media platforms and comment sections following coverage of the Super Bowl, multiple users argued that Trump’s presence would likely have drawn protests or negative crowd reactions, particularly given the location and the political leanings of the halftime performers.

While these comments do not reflect official NFL positions, they highlight a broader sentiment among some fans that the president’s attendance could have been controversial rather than celebratory.

Artists critical of the administration

Bad Bunny has previously spoken about concerns related to US immigration enforcement. In an interview with i D magazine last year, the Puerto Rican singer said he feared immigration authorities could appear outside his concert venues.

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“There was the issue that … ICE could be outside my concert venue. And it’s something that we were talking about and very concerned about,” he said.

Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong has also been outspoken against Trump’s administration. During a concert appearance, Armstrong referred to it as a “fascist government” and told the audience, “It’s up to us to fight back.”

Travel patterns and personal preferences

According to CNN, Trump has attended numerous sporting events during his second term, largely along the East Coast. These appearances include UFC events in Miami, golf tournaments in New York, college football games, and professional baseball matchups.

Reactions at these events have been mixed, with some crowds cheering and others booing, including at the US Open and Yankee Stadium.

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CNN also reported that Trump owns no properties in the San Francisco Bay Area and has historically preferred staying at hotels affiliated with his own business interests when traveling.

A noticeable absence from a presidential spotlight

Presidents have often used the Super Bowl as a platform for visibility, including participating in pregame interviews. It remains unclear whether Trump will engage in any traditional Super Bowl related appearances this year.

According to CNN, the White House has been asked whether the president plans to participate in a Super Bowl interview, but no decision has been announced.

Sources: CNN, New York Post, NewsMax, i D magazine