Why Donald Trump skipped the Super Bowl this year — and why it’s raising eyebrows
Distance wasn't the only reason the president sat out Super Bowl LX, some say.
Donald Trump says the long flight kept him from attending the Super Bowl this year — but his comments about the performers suggest a deeper reason.
Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, was packed as fans gathered to watch Super Bowl LX, but one high-profile face was missing from the crowd: President Donald Trump.
Last year, Trump made headlines as the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl in person. He showed up in New Orleans to watch the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles. This year, however, he chose not to attend — and while he gave a reason, many believe there’s more to the story.
Trump says it was “just too far away”
In an interview with the New York Post, Trump said the decision came down to logistics. “It’s just too far away,” he explained. “I would go if, you know, it was a little bit shorter.”
He’s not wrong — a flight from Washington, D.C. to the West Coast typically takes five to six hours. Still, for someone used to cross-country travel and presidential-level accommodations, the excuse raised questions.
Many observers think Trump’s decision had more to do with who was on stage than how long the flight would take.
Two performers — Green Day and Bad Bunny — have made headlines not just for their music, but also for their outspoken views. Trump didn’t hide his feelings, calling them a “terrible choice” and accusing them of spreading hate. “I’m anti-them,” he said plainly.
Green Day opened the ceremony, and Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny took the spotlight during halftime. For Trump, both acts appear to represent cultural and political ideas he strongly disagrees with.
Bad Bunny responds with pride
Bad Bunny, one of Latin music’s biggest stars, responded to criticism not with anger, but with pride. Last year, he had chosen not to perform in the U.S. due to concerns over ICE raids at concerts. This year, the Super Bowl felt different.
“This is for my people, my culture and our history,” he said. “It goes beyond myself.”
Many fans praised his performance and message, seeing it as a moment of cultural celebration on one of the biggest stages in American sports.
While Trump framed his absence as a matter of convenience, the timing and his strong reaction to the performers make some wonder if his decision was also political.
Whether Trump stayed home because of distance or disapproval, his absence didn’t go unnoticed. In a year when music, sports, and politics collided on the Super Bowl stage, many are asking: what does it mean when a president skips the big game — and takes aim at the artists instead?
Let us know your thoughts. Was it really about the flight time — or something more?
