Don’t Wanna be an American Idiot: Green Days Upcoming Superbowl Performance
By: Olivia Woloz
On Jan. 18, 2026, the National Football League announced the popular punk-rock band, Green Day, will play the opening ceremony at the upcoming 60th annual Superbowl. The performance and game are set to take place on Sunday, Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA and will commemorate the past six decades of this American tradition. Although the band has been active for over three decades, garnering over 30 million monthly Spotify streams, there are some people opposed to their appearance. One of these people includes the President of the United States, Donald Trump.
In a USA Today article, Trump told reporters, “it’s a terrible choice…all it does is sow hatred.” In a clear attempt to not only abhor Green Day but also the half-time performer, Bad Bunny, Trump has decided that he will not be in appearance at this year’s game, after being the first president to attend last year. Because of the Trump Administration’s policies on immigration and the emergence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) all over the country, Bad Bunny has hesitated to tour in the U.S. but accepted the offer of performing at the Super Bowl. Even though he is a U.S. citizen, recent news has revealed that the aggression of ICE agents has been unprovoked and uncalled for, sometimes targeting US citizens.
The members of Green Day have been known to make outspoken political statements. One of their most famous songs, “American Idiot,” was made to speak out against the media, politics, and war during the early 2000s, and its message is still relevant today. During an ABC New Year’s Eve event in 2023, the band performed their popular song, changing the lyrics to, “I’m not part of the MAGA agenda,” alluding to the current President and his supporters. During the same performance, lead singer and guitarist, Billie Joe Armstrong held up a mask of Trump’s head with the word “idiot” written across the forehead to represent the anguish of his presidency and to protest what they stand for.
In recent years, especially referring to Kenrick Lamar’s politically inclined performance last year, the half time performers have begun to use their platform to make statements about the current state of politics and the U.S. government. Considering the political history of both performing artists-Green Day and Bad Bunny – Trump’s lack of attendance isn’t a shock.
