Super Bowl LVIII: Performer Controversy and Immigration Concerns Generate Discussion
The upcoming Super Bowl LVIII, scheduled for February 8 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, is generating discussion regarding its halftime and pre-game performers, as well as concerns over potential immigration enforcement. Former President Donald Trump has stated he will not attend the event, citing the travel distance. Both the performer selections and immigration matters have drawn varied reactions from political figures and advocacy groups.
Former President Trump Cites Distance for Non-Attendance
Former President Donald Trump announced he would not attend Super Bowl LVIII. He informed the New York Post that the distance to the game in northern California was a primary reason for his decision, stating he would have considered attending a closer venue.
Trump's non-attendance means he will not repeat his appearance from the previous year's Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, an event he attended as the first sitting U.S. president.
During his second term, Trump made appearances at various sporting events, often located near Florida or the U.S. East Coast, including the Daytona 500, the college football national championship, and the Ryder Cup in Bethpage, New York. Trump stated that the presence of the selected performers did not influence his decision not to attend the game.
Super Bowl LVIII Performer Selections Spark Debate
The Super Bowl LVIII entertainment lineup features Bad Bunny as the halftime headliner and Green Day as a pre-game act. These selections have drawn significant attention and varied responses.
Trump's Disapproval and "Woke Bowl" Label
Former President Trump expressed disapproval of these selections. He referred to Bad Bunny's choice as "absolutely ridiculous" and "a terrible choice" that "sows hatred," while also indicating he was unfamiliar with the artist.
Trump made similar comments about Green Day. Senator Tommy Tuberville also labeled the event the "Woke Bowl."
Both Bad Bunny, identified as Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, and Green Day have previously voiced criticism of Trump and his administration. Bad Bunny has criticized Trump and his immigration policies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and reportedly avoided a continental U.S. tour due to concerns for his fans. Green Day's lead singer, Billie Joe Armstrong, has also criticized Trump and supported protests related to immigration policies, with the band altering lyrics in its song "American Idiot" to include "I'm not part of the MAGA agenda" during live performances.
NFL's Defense of Choices
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Chief Marketing Officer Tim Ellis defended the league's decisions regarding the performers.
Goodell stated in October that the league would not reconsider its decision, noting Bad Bunny's global popularity and characterizing public responses as typical for Super Bowl entertainment. He described Bad Bunny as "one of the great artists in the world" who can unite people. The NFL confirmed it did not consider removing Bad Bunny despite the criticism and generally seeks to maintain a non-political environment for its game and halftime show.
Public Opinion and Alternative Events
An October Quinnipiac University poll indicated that approximately half of Americans approved of Bad Bunny as the halftime performer. Approval levels varied by political and demographic lines, with stronger support among Democrats and Black and Hispanic adults compared to Republicans and white adults. A conservative group, Turning Point USA, is planning an alternative event.
Immigration Enforcement Concerns Raise Alarm
The Super Bowl LVIII is also subject to discussions regarding potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence. A petition signed by over 184,000 individuals urged the NFL to denounce such a presence. The liberal advocacy group MoveOn plans to deliver this petition to the NFL’s New York City headquarters.
DHS Statement and Lingering Concerns
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official Jeff Brannigan reportedly communicated to local officials and the NFL that ICE does not plan to conduct law enforcement actions during Super Bowl week or at the game.
However, some observers remain concerned that this plan could change. DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin did not confirm or deny ICE’s role, stating that Super Bowl security would involve a "whole-of-government response."
Activist Mobilization
MoveOn spokesperson Britt Jacovich emphasized the NFL's responsibility to protect fans and stadium workers by advocating against ICE involvement. Activist group Contra-ICE distributed 15,000 rally towels featuring an "ICE OUT" message to fans entering Levi's Stadium. The towels, designed by cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz, included a graphic honoring Bad Bunny and aimed to highlight opposition to immigration raids and generate support for artists who speak in favor of Latinos and immigrants. Shasti Conrad, a leader of Contra-ICE and a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, indicated the action aimed to draw attention to challenges against the Department of Homeland Security.
Bad Bunny had previously expressed criticism of ICE at the Grammy Awards, stating, "We're not savage, we're not animals, we're not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans."
Event Details and Anticipated Viewership
The Super Bowl is an annual television event in the United States.
The previous year’s game recorded approximately 130 million U.S. viewers and an additional 62.5 million international viewers, according to NFL figures.
The competing teams for Super Bowl LVIII will be determined by upcoming conference championship games, which include the New England Patriots against the Denver Broncos, and the Los Angeles Rams against the Seattle Seahawks.