U.S. President Donald Trump skipped attending the Super Bowl this year, but his presence was still felt during the pre-game broadcast. A campaign-style video featuring Trump aired during Fox’s NFL coverage, urging supporters to contribute via crypto donations. The message quickly went viral, triggering backlash and speculation online, with many users questioning whether the video was AI-generated or part of a potential scam.
The episode has reignited debate around Trump crypto fundraising, political transparency, and the growing overlap between digital assets, artificial intelligence, and campaign messaging.
Important clarification: The appeal promoted crypto-based donations to Trump’s campaign and did not involve the launch or promotion of any Trump-branded crypto token.
Crypto Pitch During Pre-Game Broadcast Draws Scrutiny
The pre-recorded video showed Trump addressing viewers during the Super Bowl pre-game broadcast between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. In the clip, Trump encouraged supporters to donate using crypto assets and claimed he would “match” or “double” the amount contributed.
Clips from the broadcast spread rapidly across social media platforms, where viewers questioned the video’s authenticity. Several users pointed to its polished visuals and delivery as reasons it appeared AI-generated. Notably, the broadcast did not include any on-screen disclosure clarifying whether artificial intelligence tools were used, fueling further skepticism.
Some social media users went as far as warning others not to fall for the donation request. One post that gained traction described the broadcast as a “scam stream,” noting that tens of thousands of viewers were watching in real time. While there has been no official confirmation that the video was fraudulent, the reaction highlighted heightened public sensitivity around political fundraising, crypto payments, and AI-generated media.
Political Context and Ethical Questions
The segment also featured appearances by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of war Pete Hegseth, lending the broadcast a more official tone. Critics argued that the combination of crypto fundraising, AI-like visuals, and a high-profile sporting event blurred ethical and regulatory boundaries.
Trump did not attend the game in person, despite making history last year as the first sitting U.S. president to do so. He previously told the New York Post that he would skip the event due to travel constraints, calling the trip “too far away.”
Patriotic Message, Cultural Criticism, and Parallel Promotions
Alongside the donation appeal, Trump delivered a traditional presidential message praising the Super Bowl as a unifying American event. “Today, every American is a football fan,” he said, wishing both teams success and celebrating what he described as the enduring American spirit.
However, Trump also used the occasion to criticize elements of the entertainment lineup. He took aim at halftime performer Bad Bunny and pre-game act Green Day, calling their inclusion “a terrible choice” and claiming it promoted division. Despite the remarks, Green Day performed as scheduled, playing “Holiday” and “American Idiot” without overt political messaging.
In a separate pre-recorded interview aired on NBC, Trump commented on football-related news and expressed disappointment that coach Bill Belichick was not inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, calling the decision “very inappropriate.”
During the Super Bowl broadcast, a 30-second commercial also aired for “Trump Accounts,” tax-advantaged investment products for children backed by Invest America, a nonprofit associated with Trump. The ad was not government-funded, and market estimates suggest that a national Super Bowl commercial costs roughly $8 million.
CONCLUSION
Trump’s decision to skip the Super Bowl while appearing in a crypto-focused pre-game video underscores the growing convergence of politics, digital assets, and artificial intelligence. While intended as a show of engagement with supporters, the crypto donation appeal, combined with AI-like visuals, triggered skepticism and online backlash.
As political campaigns increasingly experiment with new fundraising tools and emerging technologies, the episode serves as a reminder that transparency and clear disclosure are critical, particularly in an era shaped by crypto payments and AI-generated media.
