‘Scam’ claims spread after Trump’s Super Bowl crypto donation pitch

In a surprising moment, U.S. President Donald Trump used the Super Bowl LX pre-game show to ask for campaign donations in digital assets.

During the broadcast on Fox Corporation, a polished video appeared featuring Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

In the clip, Trump encouraged viewers to donate using cryptocurrency and claimed that their money would be “doubled.”

In a separate post on Truth Social, he also said,

Why did this draw criticism?

Needless to say, this wording immediately raised concerns. The situation became more controversial for two main reasons.

First, the video did not include any notice about artificial intelligence. Many viewers felt the footage looked fake or AI-generated, leading to accusations that it might be a deepfake.

Second, there was no clear explanation about how AI was used, if at all. This could violate the new 2026 campaign transparency rules that require public disclosure when synthetic media is involved.

Because of this, regulators and crypto analysts began questioning whether the broadcast followed legal and ethical standards.

Community backlash

Reacting to this crypto community came up with backlashes, 

On X, a user noted,

However, shortly after the performance, President Trump used his Truth Social platform to deliver a blistering critique.

He said, 

“The Super Bowl Halftime Show is absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER!”

Specifically targeting the reggaeton star’s use of Spanish and the production’s high-energy choreography, Trump argued that the performance failed to represent American standards of “Success, Creativity, or Excellence.”

He further characterized the set as a “slap in the face” to a country he claimed is currently setting records in the stock market and 401(k)s. 

Hype to caution

This moment highlights a broader shift in crypto marketing. Back in 2022, the Super Bowl earned the nickname “Crypto Bowl” thanks to flashy ads and heavy hype. 

In 2026, the industry has taken a more cautious approach, emphasizing trust, regulation, and transparency over bold promises. Notably, President Trump skipped this year’s event, unlike in 2025 when he attended Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.

Instead of attending in person, he chose to connect with supporters through digital media and broadcasts, relying more on online influence than physical presence.

Taken together, these moments reflect a shift toward quieter crypto marketing and a more distant political role.

What’s more?

Well, this isn’t the first time Trump has been embroiled in controversies.  Recently, President Donald Trump’s crypto projects have also faced criticism.

For instance, his support for World Liberty Financial had raised concerns in the digital asset community.

Many experts have said that the project lacks transparency and clear planning, making it a risky example for U.S. crypto policy.

Final Thoughts

• The ad felt more like an online scam video than a serious political message, which damaged credibility.
• Online backlash proved that audiences are no longer easily impressed by digital stunts.