The NFL’s announcement that global music star Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show has sparked controversy. Many fans and industry figures praised the move as a major step for Latin music representation. However, U.S. President Donald Trump led a wave of criticism. His remarks, delivered on national television, have turned a high-profile entertainment moment into a political debate.
The Super Bowl halftime show is watched by more than 100 million viewers annually, and often sparks both celebration and controversy. In 2026, the event will take place on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The NFL confirmed that Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, will perform in partnership with Apple Music and Roc Nation, the production company led by Jay-Z.
President Donald Trump’s Criticism and the Political Reaction
Trump voiced his disapproval during an interview on Greg Kelly Reports on Newsmax, where he described the NFL’s decision as “absolutely ridiculous.” During the segment, he said, “I don’t know who he is, I don’t know why they’re doing it,” adding that he had “never heard of him.”
The remarks came after host Greg Kelly joked about the performer, referring to him as “the Bad Bunny rabbit or whatever his name is,” and called on viewers to boycott the NFL. Trump agreed with the sentiment, saying the league’s leadership had made “a big mistake.”
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Moreover, the POTUS also criticized NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, claiming the organization allowed “a promoter they hired to pick up entertainment” to make the decision. “Then they blame it on some promoter that they hired to pick up entertainment. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous,” Trump added.
Several conservative commentators echoed Trump’s criticism. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene warned that the halftime performance could include what she called “controversial displays,” while Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that immigration authorities would be present at the game.
The controversy grew partly because Bad Bunny had previously commented on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In past interviews, he had expressed concern that fans might avoid attending his U.S. concerts for fear of immigration enforcement actions.
Since 2020, the NFL has not handled halftime show selections independently. The league’s partnership with Roc Nation allows the entertainment agency to curate and produce the show. This collaboration has led to performances by Shakira and Jennifer Lopez in 2020, The Weeknd in 2021, and Rihanna in 2023.
Bad Bunny’s Response and Cultural Impact
Bad Bunny is one of the world’s most-streamed musicians, with more than 100 billion Spotify listens to date. His music blends reggaeton, Latin trap, and pop, appealing to a wide international audience.
And so his selection for the Super Bowl marks a milestone for Spanish-language music on one of the world’s largest broadcast stages. The NFL described the move as a “significant turning point in Latin music’s visibility at the Super Bowl.”
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Following the backlash, Bad Bunny addressed the issue during his Saturday Night Live hosting appearance on October 4, 2025. Speaking partly in Spanish, he said, “All Latinos and Latinas across the world, and here in the United States, all the people who have worked to open doors… More than an achievement of mine, it’s an achievement of everyone.”
He then switched to English, adding, “If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn.” The moment drew laughter from the live audience and quickly went viral online.
In another segment, the artist lightheartedly mocked his critics by playing an edited clip of television commentators, as per Times Now News. He said, “Bad Bunny is my favourite musician and he should be the next president.”
The sketch appeared to respond to conservative media coverage that had questioned his suitability for the performance. His confident tone and humor signaled that he intends to meet criticism with pride rather than confrontation.
