Malik Waqar
In a historic first, US President Donald Trump attended Super Bowl 59, becoming the first sitting president to ever be present at the high-profile event.
Trump’s arrival at the Caesars Superdome drew a mixed response from the crowd.
While some cheered, others booed as the president entered the stadium, where he was joined by his daughter Ivanka, son Eric, and a number of political figures who had accompanied him on Air Force One to New Orleans. Notably absent was First Lady Melania Trump.
Photo: President Trump, alongside his daughter Ivanka, during the national anthem/Reuters
Trump’s attendance was a stark contrast to his previous criticisms of the National Football League (NFL) during his presidency.
He had strongly condemned players who took a knee during the national anthem to protest racial injustice. On Sunday, the NFL displayed the message “Choose Love” behind one of the end zones, replacing the previous “End Racism” slogan that had been in use since 2021.
Photo: Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie lifts the Vince Lombardi Trophy after his team defeated the Kansas City Chiefs./ Reuters
Among the celebrities attending the game were pop star Taylor Swift, rapper Jay-Z, music legend Sir Paul McCartney, and actors Adam Sandler, Paul Rudd, and Kevin Costner. Swift, present to support her partner Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, was met with boos from Philadelphia Eagles fans when her face appeared on the Jumbotron.
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The backlash stemmed from Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, a rival to Trump.
The halftime show, one of the event’s most anticipated moments, was headlined by rapper Kendrick Lamar, who performed alongside SZA. The duo delivered a dynamic performance, with Lamar teasing a rendition of his diss track against fellow rapper Drake ,”Not Like Us.”
Photo: Kendrick Lamar performs during the half-time show./Reuters
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Lamar also performed the Grammy-winning track “Humble,” featuring dancers forming an American flag.
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In the realm of advertisements, this year’s Super Bowl saw a record $8 million price tag for 30-second spots.
Notable commercials included a comedic ad featuring David Beckham and Matt Damon as long-lost twins bonding over a beer, a re-enactment of the iconic “When Harry Met Sally” deli scene with Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, and British singer Seal transforming into an actual seal in a humorous ad about his inability to hold a drink with flippers.
Other ads featured celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and comedian Pete Davidson promoting cookware, while The Muppets appeared in a humorous commercial seeking accommodations via a booking site.
The Philadelphia Eagles triumphed over the Kansas City Chiefs with a commanding 40-22 victory, securing their latest Super Bowl title.
