Donald Trump, Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Serena Williams: Super Bowl 2025 A Night of Celebrities and Cultural Icons
In an unprecedented moment in American sports and political history, Donald Trump has become the first sitting US president to attend the Super Bowl. Within just 20 days of returning to the White House for a second term, Trump broke a longstanding tradition by making an appearance at Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Trump’s attendance at the NFL’s biggest event is significant for multiple reasons. The former president has had a complicated relationship with the league, stemming from his first term in office when he publicly clashed with players who took a knee during the national anthem as a form of protest against racial injustice. His presence at the game, therefore, was bound to be controversial, especially given the NFL’s recent decision to remove the phrase “End Racism” from end zone messaging. Instead, the league opted for a more neutral phrase: “Choose Love.”
A Grand Entrance
Trump arrived at the Caesar’s Superdome about an hour before kickoff, accompanied by his daughter Ivanka and a sizable entourage. Dressed in his trademark suit and red tie, he made his way around the field, greeting fans and acknowledging the roaring crowd.
When he was shown on the stadium’s big screen, the reaction was mixed but leaned towards approval, with cheers outweighing the scattered boos. Photographers seized the moment, capturing the 47th president of the United States in an image of patriotism—standing tall as the national anthem played. Unlike the protests of previous years, Trump remained understated during the anthem, allowing the focus to remain on the moment rather than reigniting past controversies.
Taylor Swift and the Super Bowl Spectacle
While Trump’s presence dominated headlines, another high-profile attendee drew significant attention: pop sensation Taylor Swift. The Grammy-winning artist had been a central storyline at the 2024 Super Bowl, where she famously flew in from Tokyo to watch her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, secure a championship.
This year, however, Swift received a much frostier reception. As her face appeared on the jumbotron, Philadelphia Eagles fans in attendance let out a chorus of boos. A wry smile crossed Swift’s face as she seemingly brushed off the negativity, but the reaction underscored the division she faces among some NFL fanbases—particularly those loyal to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement.
Kelce, who had been a dominant force in previous seasons, struggled under the relentless defense of the Eagles. Philadelphia’s top-ranked unit neutralized him, leaving the Chiefs’ star without a single impactful play. Following the game, Trump took to his Truth Social platform, commenting, “The only one that had a tougher night than the Kansas City Chiefs was Taylor Swift. She got booed out of the stadium. MAGA is very unforgiving.”
Swift’s Super Bowl woes may not be entirely unrelated to politics. She had previously endorsed Trump’s presidential rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, in the 2024 election. While Swift has rarely delved deep into political discourse, her influence is undeniable, and her stance against Trump may have alienated certain segments of the American electorate, particularly conservative football fans.
Star-Studded Halftime Show: Kendrick Lamar and Serena Williams
Beyond the political undertones of the event, Super Bowl 59 delivered a captivating halftime show, headlined by Kendrick Lamar. The rapper, fresh off his Grammy-winning year, performed a 13-minute set that included a mix of his biggest hits.
One of the night’s biggest surprises came in the form of tennis legend Serena Williams, who made a cameo as a dancer alongside Lamar and his frequent collaborator, SZA. The trio electrified the crowd with performances of “All the Stars” and “Luther.”
However, the most talked-about moment of the night was Lamar’s performance of his controversial song “Not Like Us.” The track had been the centerpiece of an ongoing rap feud with fellow artist Drake, containing incendiary lyrics accusing his rival of cultural appropriation and more serious allegations. With the song at the center of an active defamation lawsuit, many questioned whether Lamar would even be allowed to perform it live.
Ultimately, he did—but with a key alteration. Lamar self-censored the most contentious lyric, omitting the word “paedophile” while keeping the rest of the song intact. The crowd responded overwhelmingly, joining in on the lyrics in what became one of the night’s defining moments.
A Night of Celebrities and Cultural Icons
As always, the Super Bowl was more than just a football game. It was a celebration of American culture, and this year’s event was no exception. The Carter family—minus Beyoncé—was spotted on the field before kickoff, with Jay-Z and his daughters, Blue Ivy and Rumi, rocking stylish outfits that caught the attention of fashion enthusiasts.
Jon Batiste set the tone for the night with his jazz-infused rendition of the national anthem. Dressed in a sleek black Paul Smith suit, the Grammy-winning artist delivered a stirring performance that resonated with both football fans and music lovers alike.
Meanwhile, Hollywood legend Samuel L. Jackson took on the role of Uncle Sam, bringing his signature energy and charisma to introduce Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show. His star-spangled outfit paid homage to both American patriotism and the theatrical nature of the Super Bowl.
The Fallout and Political Implications
Trump’s attendance at the Super Bowl was not just about football—it was a calculated political move. The former president thrives on spectacle, and this event placed him in the limelight in front of millions of Americans. By showing up in person, he reinforced his connection to the average voter, particularly within the conservative, football-loving demographic that has long been part of his base.
The reaction to his presence, however, signals a country still deeply divided. While many welcomed him with open arms, others remained critical, questioning the intersection of politics and sports.
Swift’s experience at the game further highlights the polarizing nature of today’s political climate. Despite being one of the most beloved figures in pop culture, she faced backlash simply for her past political endorsements.
As for the NFL, its decision to replace “End Racism” with “Choose Love” reflects an ongoing effort to balance social justice initiatives with broader audience appeal. The league continues to navigate the delicate terrain of activism and entertainment, attempting to avoid the controversies that once defined its relationship with Trump.
Conclusion
Super Bowl 59 will be remembered not just for the game but for its political and cultural significance. From Donald Trump’s historic attendance to Taylor Swift’s unexpected reception, from Kendrick Lamar’s powerful halftime show to Serena Williams’ surprise appearance, the night was filled with unforgettable moments.
As America moves forward into another election cycle, the intersection of politics, sports, and entertainment will only become more pronounced. Whether the Super Bowl remains a neutral ground or continues to be a stage for broader societal debates remains to be seen. One thing is certain—Trump’s presence at the game has already etched itself into the annals of history, further cementing his ability to command the national spotlight, no matter the setting.
