What's Inside?
- Bad Bunny becomes first Latin-American male to headline the Super Bowl halftime show, performing Feb. 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium.
- Conservatives including Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene criticize the selection, citing political stances and concerns over cultural and entertainment choices.
- Despite backlash, Bad Bunny embraces the moment, celebrating Latin culture and promising a memorable, globally viewed halftime performance for millions.
President Donald Trump has joined a chorus of conservatives criticizing the NFL’s choice of Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny as the 2026 Super Bowl halftime performer. Appearing on Newsmax’s Greg Kelly Reports, Trump described the selection as “absolutely ridiculous,” adding, “I don’t know who he is. I don’t know why they’re doing it — it’s, like, crazy.” Despite Bad Bunny’s global fame and record-breaking streaming numbers, the president suggested the pick was driven by an entertainment promoter rather than the league itself.
Bad Bunny Headlines Super Bowl Halftime Show Amid Political Tensions
Bad Bunny, a three-time Grammy winner and one of the world’s most-streamed artists, will become the first Latin-American male to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. His performance on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, coincides with the release of his latest album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos, and marks his only U.S. appearance promoting it.
“I never heard of him. I don’t know who he is. I don’t know why they’re doing it.”
On Monday’s “Greg Kelly Reports,” President Donald Trump joined the show and commented on the NFL’s decision to feature singer Bad Bunny as the Super Bowl halftime performer. @gregkellyusa… pic.twitter.com/LP6DNMDFgs
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) October 7, 2025
The NFL selects halftime performers in partnership with Apple Music and Roc Nation, the entertainment company founded by Jay-Z. This year, the league entrusted Roc Nation to bring one of the biggest names in Latin music to the global stage. In response, Bad Bunny said, “What I’m feeling goes beyond myself… this is for my people, my culture, and our history. Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el halftime show del Super Bowl.”
Despite his massive international following — over 107 billion streams on Spotify and nearly 50 million Instagram followers — Bad Bunny has faced political pushback. He openly criticized Trump’s immigration policies and avoided touring the continental U.S., citing fears that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could disrupt his concerts.
Political Backlash and Conservative Outrage
Trump is far from alone in his criticism. Former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski warned, “There is nowhere that you can provide safe haven to people who are in this country illegally. Not the Super Bowl, and nowhere else.” Lewandowski suggested ICE would monitor the event, a claim echoed by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Other conservative voices have joined in, including Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who expressed concerns over what she called “demonic sexual performances,” and commentator Tomi Lahren, who mistakenly questioned Bad Bunny’s American citizenship despite Puerto Rico being a U.S. territory.
On the other side, supporters like Zaileen Janmohamed, president and CEO of the Bay Area Host Committee, welcomed the choice, emphasizing its global appeal. “We are confident that Bad Bunny will deliver an unforgettable experience for fans in Levi’s Stadium and watching globally,” he said, highlighting the Bay Area’s diverse cultural influence.
Unfazed by the controversy, Bad Bunny recently hosted Saturday Night Live, playfully telling Americans they had “four months to learn” Spanish ahead of the Super Bowl. His bold approach to music and politics continues to make him both a target of criticism and a symbol of cultural pride for millions.
As the countdown begins for February 8, fans and critics alike are bracing for a halftime show that promises to blend groundbreaking Latin music with high-profile spectacle. Whether embraced or condemned, Bad Bunny’s performance is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about Super Bowl events in recent memory.
