A presidential tradition, dormant for the past two years, is being revived this Super Bowl Sunday. Despite not attending the game in person, former President Donald Trump will participate in a pre-game interview, a practice initiated by George W. Bush in 2004.
The tradition saw consistent participation from Presidents Bush, Obama, and Trump during his first term. However, President Joe Biden opted out of the interview in both 2023 and 2024, citing a desire to keep the focus solely on the game itself.
This year, NBC will broadcast the interview with Trump in segments, both during their pre-game coverage and on “NBC Nightly News” and “Top Story with Tom Llamas” leading up to the event. The decision to forgo the interview had sparked debate, with some suggesting it was a deliberate strategy.
Critics pointed to a broader pattern of limited media engagement from President Biden, arguing that avoiding unscripted questioning fueled concerns about his cognitive abilities. The White House’s approach was seen by some as prioritizing damage control over transparency.
Trump himself previously commented on Biden’s absence, dismissing the explanation as simplistic. He emphasized the straightforward nature of answering questions, a skill he implied his successor lacked.
Beyond the interview, Trump revealed his decision not to attend the Super Bowl in person stems from dissatisfaction with the scheduled entertainment. Performers Bad Bunny and Green Day have both publicly criticized him, leading Trump to label their inclusion a “terrible choice” that “sows hatred.”
Distance also played a role in his decision. While acknowledging past positive receptions at the Super Bowl, Trump indicated the travel commitment felt excessive, adding he would consider attending if the event were closer.
He fondly recalled positive experiences at previous Super Bowls, suggesting a continued connection with fans at the event. Despite the entertainment and logistical considerations, Trump is re-engaging with a long-standing Super Bowl tradition.
