President Donald Trump was reportedly advised by aides to skip this year’s Super Bowl amid concerns that parts of the crowd could react negatively if he attended, according to multiple media reports.
Trump has frequently appeared at major sporting events during his presidency, often drawing attention and enthusiasm from supporters. In recent months, he attended the College Football Playoff National Championship and last year’s Super Bowl in New Orleans. He also made headlines at NASCAR’s Daytona 500, where he took a ceremonial lap around the track in the presidential limousine, an appearance widely praised by racing fans.
Despite that track record, the president has made clear he does not plan to attend this year’s Super Bowl.
Halftime Show, Location Cited Publicly
Publicly, Trump has pointed to a lack of interest in the halftime entertainment as one reason for staying away. This year’s performers have previously criticized him, and the president recently said he has no interest in watching entertainers who openly oppose him politically.
He also noted that the game’s location in Santa Clara, California, made the trip less appealing, joking that it was simply “too far.”
Private Concerns Raised by Advisers
However, a report released Tuesday suggested there may be more to the decision. According to individuals familiar with internal discussions, several aides quietly warned that there was a significant risk Trump could be booed by sections of the stadium crowd.
Those advisers reportedly expressed concern that even a brief negative reaction would be quickly turned into viral video clips and repeated media coverage, potentially overshadowing the administration’s policy agenda.
One official reportedly described the possibility of such an incident as a distraction the White House would prefer to avoid.
Not the First Time
Trump has previously faced mixed reactions at sporting events. Over the past year, he has been booed at appearances including the U.S. Open, the World Series, and a UFC event. Supporters argue those moments had little impact on his political standing and were amplified by media outlets hostile to him.
Strategic Decision, Not Retreat
Allies of the president say the decision to skip the Super Bowl reflects strategic discipline rather than avoidance. They argue Trump is focused on advancing his priorities and choosing public appearances where the attention remains on policy rather than crowd reactions.
For now, the president appears content to watch the Super Bowl from afar, leaving critics without the viral moment many were reportedly hoping for.