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Trump Skips Super Bowl After Aides' Warning of Likely Boos
The 79-year-old former president was advised not to attend the game in deep-blue California due to concerns over his poor approval ratings and unpopular halftime performers.
Feb. 4, 2026 at 4:39am
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Donald Trump will not be attending the Super Bowl this year after being warned by his advisers that he would likely face a hostile reception from the crowd, with the potential for viral video of him being loudly booed. Trump had previously offered other excuses for skipping the game, such as disliking the planned halftime performers, but his aides have now acknowledged the real reason is to avoid the embarrassment of being rejected by the crowd.
Why it matters
Trump's decision to skip the Super Bowl highlights the former president's sensitivity to public criticism and rejection, as well as the political challenges he continues to face, particularly in Democratic-leaning states like California. The incident also underscores the broader divide in the country and the challenges facing political figures in navigating highly partisan environments.
The details
Several of Trump's advisers have told reporters that the 79-year-old was urged not to attend the Super Bowl in Santa Clara, California, because he would likely receive a less-than-friendly reception from the crowd. Clips of Trump being loudly booed in front of tens of thousands of spectators and potentially more than 100 million viewers at home would be "another thing we don't want right now," according to one Trump adviser. Trump was met with a mixture of boos and cheers when he attended last year's Super Bowl, but his approval ratings have since plummeted, particularly in California, which has overwhelmingly rejected him in the past three presidential elections.
- Trump attended last year's Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans.
- The Super Bowl LX will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
The players
Donald Trump
The 79-year-old former president of the United States.
Bad Bunny
A Puerto Rican singer who is scheduled to perform the halftime show at Super Bowl LX.
Green Day
A veteran punk rock band that is scheduled to perform at the Super Bowl LX opening ceremony, and are vocal critics of President Trump.
What they’re saying
“Whatever [the crowd's makeup] ends up being, it's not gonna be a Turning Point USA speech.”
— One Trump adviser (Zeteo)
“President Trump is working hard on behalf of the American people. If he did attend the Super Bowl, he would receive a warm welcome because America knows he has done more to help this country than any other president in history.”
— Davis Ingle, White House spokesperson (Zeteo)
What’s next
The Super Bowl LX will take place on Sunday, February 9, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
The takeaway
Trump's decision to skip the Super Bowl highlights his sensitivity to public criticism and rejection, as well as the deep political divisions in the country. The incident underscores the challenges facing political figures in navigating highly partisan environments, particularly in Democratic-leaning states like California where Trump remains deeply unpopular.
