President Donald Trump has made a major call ahead of Super Bowl weekend—one that keeps him in the national spotlight without stepping inside the stadium.
The White House confirmed that Trump will sit down for a high-profile interview with NBC News anchor Tom Llamas, with portions of the conversation set to air during NBC’s Super Bowl pregame coverage on Sunday. The interview was recorded at the White House earlier this week.
However, Trump will not attend the Super Bowl matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots.
Why Trump’s Interview Matters
By agreeing to the interview, Trump is reviving a long-standing Super Bowl tradition in which the network broadcasting the game secures a one-on-one conversation with the sitting president. The tradition dates back nearly two decades and has become a staple of Super Bowl weekend coverage.
NBC News said excerpts from the interview will air Wednesday night on Nightly News, with an extended version streaming later on Top Story with Tom Llamas via NBC News Now. A transcript of the extended interview will be published online, followed by a full transcript after the pregame broadcast.
Trump vs. Biden: A Sharp Contrast
Trump last participated in the Super Bowl interview tradition in 2025, when he sat down with Fox News’ Bret Baier. In contrast, former President Joe Biden declined to participate in both 2023 and 2024 when Fox and CBS carried the game—decisions that drew criticism from voters who expect transparency during major national moments.
During his first term, Trump occasionally broke from the tradition but still appeared in Super Bowl-adjacent interviews with major networks, including Fox News and CBS News.
Why Trump Is Skipping the Game
Trump also confirmed he will not attend Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, citing the demands of cross-country travel amid a busy presidential schedule.
“I would go if it were a little bit shorter,” Trump said, explaining that logistics—not interest—kept him away.
Big Picture Takeaway
While Trump won’t be in the stands, his decision ensures he remains front and center during one of the most-watched television events of the year—using media access rather than a stadium appearance to reach millions of Americans.
For supporters, it’s another example of Trump prioritizing message and visibility over ceremony.