As the 2026 Super Bowl unfolds at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, former President Donald Trump will be observing the championship clash between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots from a considerable distance. Rather than attending the event in person, Trump is hosting an exclusive Super Bowl watch party at his Mar-a-Lago resort in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Trump's Super Bowl Snub and Halftime Criticism
This decision marks a stark contrast to last year, when Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend a Super Bowl. His absence this year is a deliberate protest against the NFL's selection of Puerto Rican rap and singing superstar Bad Bunny as the halftime performer. According to his public schedule published on rollcall.com, Trump began his Sunday with a round of golf at Trump International Golf Club before preparing for the evening's festivities at Mar-a-Lago.
Political Backlash Against Bad Bunny
Trump has been vocally critical of Bad Bunny's halftime show appointment, labelling it a "terrible choice" and stating he had "never heard of him." In an October interview on NewsMax's Greg Kelly Reports, Trump agreed with the host's characterisation of Bad Bunny as a divisive figure, saying, "I don't know why they're doing it, it's like, crazy. I think it's absolutely ridiculous."
The host had suggested a boycott, noting Bad Bunny's criticisms of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and accusations of racism, to which Trump concurred.
Rival Halftime Show Emerges
In response to the MAGA movement's backlash, the right-wing political organisation Turning Point USA, founded by the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has announced a competing event. Dubbed the All-American Halftime Show, it will feature country music artists Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett.
This alternative show is scheduled to air during the same 8:00 to 8:30 p.m. ET window as the official Super Bowl halftime. It will broadcast on conservative networks Charge!, DailyWire+, TBN, and Real America's Voice, with additional streaming on Turning Point USA's social media channels, including YouTube, X, and Rumble.
Trump's Future Super Bowl Attendance
Looking ahead, Trump has already confirmed he will not attend the 2026 Super Bowl, citing that it is "too far away." This statement underscores his preference for hosting events at his own properties rather than travelling to distant venues.
The 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, featuring the 31-year-old Bad Bunny, promises to be a lively and memorable performance, but it will proceed without Trump's presence. Instead, the former president's focus remains on his Mar-a-Lago gathering, reflecting ongoing political and cultural divisions surrounding high-profile entertainment events.
