Bad Bunny has been announced as the star of the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, but instead of universal excitement, the decision has sparked a storm of backlash from right-wing politicians and commentators in the US.
The Puerto Rican megastar, who has gone from breakout fame in 2016 to becoming one of the biggest names in global music, was officially confirmed as the halftime headliner on 28 September.
But his critics immediately began digging up old comments, including his admission that he didn’t bring his latest tour to the States because he worried Immigration and Customs Enforcement might target his fans.
More fuel was added when, while hosting Saturday Night Live last weekend, he joked that Americans had “four months to learn” Spanish before his big show.
Among those most furious about the NFL’s choice is U.S. President Donald Trump, who brushed off Bad Bunny’s star power and even claimed not to know who he was. Speaking on Monday, Trump told reporters, “I don’t know why they’re doing it. It’s crazy… I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.
Just days later, House Speaker Mike Johnson also joined the chorus of disapproval, telling journalists outside the House chambers that he didn’t think Bad Bunny was the right fit for such a high-profile stage.
“It sounds like he’s not someone who appeals to a broader audience,” he said. “There are so many eyes on the Super Bowl. A lot of young, impressionable children. And, in my view, you would have Lee Greenwood or role models doing that. Not somebody like this.”
Others on the American right went further. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene issued one of her typically fiery warnings, claiming she was worried about “demonic sexual performances” taking over the halftime stage.
Conservative commentator Tomi Lahren also weighed in, incorrectly saying Bad Bunny wasn’t an American artist. The rapper and singer was born in Puerto Rico, meaning he has been a US citizen from birth.
As the backlash rolled on, the Trump administration even took the moment to weigh in with policy promises. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that ICE officers would be present at the Super Bowl in February to monitor the event, seemingly in response to Bad Bunny’s past comments about immigration enforcement.
For the millions of fans who have followed his rise from Latin trap artist to global superstar, the drama is unlikely to matter much. Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has sold out stadiums worldwide, topped charts across multiple continents, and scooped up three Grammys.
He has also become a cultural icon, breaking into mainstream American TV and fashion with ease, while refusing to dilute his identity or his Spanish-language music for wider acceptance.
Still, the political furore shows no signs of cooling. To his critics, his outspoken views and fearless style make him a dangerous choice for one of the most-watched performances on the planet. To his fans, the controversy only underlines why he’s the perfect pick for the Super Bowl stage.
Bad Bunny says America has 4 months to learn Spanish before his perverse unwanted performance at the Super Bowl halftime.
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene
It would be a good time to pass my bill to make English the official language of America.
And the NFL needs to stop having demonic sexual performances…(@RepMTG) October 6, 2025
