Total Pro Sports
President Donald Trump and the NFL continue a long and uneasy relationship. Trump has followed football his whole life, but he often clashes with the NFL over politics, culture, and old business issues. Those tensions came up again this week after he criticized the league’s choice for the Super Bowl 60 halftime show.
The 79-year-old has never hidden his frustration with the NFL. He still has some hidden grudge on the league for blocking his attempt to buy the Buffalo Bills, a moment that clearly stuck with him. Even so, Trump knows many of his supporters are football fans, so he often mixes criticism with restraint.
The relationship turned especially tense in 2017. Trump sharply criticized players who protested during the national anthem and urged fans to boycott games while calling for punishment. “If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our country, you will see change take place fast,” Trump wrote on social media. He added two words that added to the situation. “Fire or suspend!”
Trump is now targeting the NFL’s decision to feature Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl 60 halftime show. He spoke about the issue during an interview on Newsmax. The conversation turned sharp when the host described Bad Bunny as someone who “hates ICE” and often labels critics as racist.
Trump did not push back. He instead questioned the choice and sent a warning to the league. “I never heard of him. I don’t know who he is,” Trump said on Newsmax. He then criticized the process behind the decision. “I don’t know why they’re doing it, it’s crazy. And then they blame it on some promoter that they hired. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.”
Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rico native, has criticized Trump in the past. He has spoken out against Trump’s immigration policies. That history adds fuel to the dispute.
Trump’s words shows that the NFL risks consequences if it keeps making choices that upset him.
The NFL has not backed down. The league continues to support its halftime pick. For now, both sides stand firm.
