As the vibrant sounds of Bad Bunny electrify the Super Bowl halftime stage, Donald Trump finds himself on the opposite coast, choosing to host a watch party at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
During the highly anticipated matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the Puerto Rican superstar will captivate audiences with his performance. Yet, Trump, who made history as the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl last year, has opted out this time, citing distance and personal protest.
According to his public schedule, Trump began his Sunday with a round of golf at Trump International Golf Club before settling in for the game. “It’s just too far away,” he remarked about this year’s venue compared to last year’s in New Orleans. “I’ve [gotten] great hands [at] the Super Bowl. They like me,” he told a reporter.
His discontent with Bad Bunny’s selection as halftime performer is evident. After the announcement, Trump labeled it “absolutely ridiculous,” claiming ignorance of the artist’s work. In an October interview, he expressed disbelief over the NFL's choice, stating, “I never heard of him. I don’t know who he is, I don’t know why they’re doing it; it’s like crazy.”
In a conversation with a host on NewsMax, Trump echoed sentiments of disapproval regarding Bad Bunny’s political views, suggesting that many fans might not resonate with the artist. “This guy does not seem like a unifying entertainer,” he said, reflecting on the backlash from his supporters.
In response to Trump's criticism, Turning Point USA, a right-wing organization founded by Charlie Kirk, announced plans for an alternative halftime show featuring country music stars like Kid Rock and Brantley Gilbert. The All-American Halftime Show aims to provide a contrasting entertainment option and will be broadcast across several conservative networks.
While the Super Bowl halftime typically occurs between 8 and 8:30 p.m. E.T., details about the rival show’s location remain unclear. However, it will stream on Turning Point USA’s social media platforms, including YouTube and Rumble, during the same time frame as Bad Bunny's performance.
