During the Super Bowl LX pre-game show, a video featuring former U.S. President Donald Trump solicited campaign donations in cryptocurrency, promising contributions would be “doubled.” The segment, also featuring Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth, drew immediate criticism for its potentially AI-generated nature and lack of transparency under 2026 campaign rules.
A promotional video aired during the Super Bowl LX pre-game broadcast featured former President Donald Trump asking viewers for campaign donations using digital assets. In the clip, which also included Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth, Trump claimed donations would be “doubled.”
The video quickly drew criticism for lacking a disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence. Many viewers and analysts questioned if the footage was a deepfake and whether it violated new 2026 transparency rules for synthetic media in campaigns.
On social media, the crypto community reacted with skepticism. One user on X compared the appeal to an online scam, stating the ad damaged credibility and demonstrated that audiences are no longer easily impressed by digital stunts.
In a separate post on Truth Social, Trump delivered a blistering critique of the Super Bowl halftime show. He called the performance “absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER!” and argued it failed to represent American standards.
The incident reflects a broader shift toward more cautious crypto marketing compared to the “Crypto Bowl” hype of 2022. This year, the industry has emphasized trust and transparency over bold promises, a change underscored by Trump’s decision to skip the event in person.
