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The president Donald Trump stated that he has “never heard of” Bad Bunny and described the choice of the artist as the halftime show for Super Bowl LX (2026) as “absolutely ridiculous.”
In an interview with Greg Kelly on Newsmax, when asked by the host—who even suggested a boycott—Trump replied: “I don’t know who he is... I don’t know why they are doing it”, and criticized the NFL for the decision.
The exchange took place after the announcement on September 28 that placed the Puerto Rican at the forefront of the show.
Trump insisted that the appointment seems like a mistake to him and, according to the audio, “then they blame it on a promoter” responsible for the entertainment. “It seems absolutely ridiculous to me,” he said.
Although the controversy often targets the NFL, the league does not directly choose the artist: for the past seven years, it has collaborated with Roc Nation (Jay-Z's company) for halftime programming and other experiences.
Trump also said that he hates the new NFL kickoff rule. "I would like them to change the kickoff rule, which I find ridiculous," he commented.
"Where the ball is kicked, and the ball is floating in the air, and everyone is just standing there watching it. It's ridiculous. It's no safer than a normal kickoff. It just looks terrible. I truly believe it degrades American football, he stated."
The NFL has faced criticism from conservative commentators and influencers within the MAGA movement for its choice of Bad Bunny.
The Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, has promised that Immigration and Customs agents will be present at the game.
"Yes, we will be everywhere," Noem stated to podcaster Benny Johnson. "We are going to enforce the law. I believe that people should not come to the Super Bowl unless they are law-abiding Americans who love this country."
Super Bowl LX will be held on February 8 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Noem emphasized that her department is responsible for ensuring the safety of the event, and she assured that agents will be present throughout the entire show.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bad Bunny in the Super Bowl 2026
Why has Bad Bunny been chosen for the halftime show of Super Bowl 2026?
Bad Bunny has been chosen for his enormous popularity and global success, being one of the most listened-to artists in the world. His selection also marks a milestone as he is the first solo Latin artist to headline this show, highlighting the growing influence of Latin culture in the United States.
What criticisms has Bad Bunny's selection for the Super Bowl received?
The choice of Bad Bunny has been criticized mainly by conservative sectors in the United States, including former President Donald Trump, who called it "ridiculous." Additionally, figures like Corey Lewandowski and Kristi Noem have warned about the presence of ICE agents at the event, raising concerns among the immigrant community.
Why does Bad Bunny avoid performing concerts in the United States?
Bad Bunny has avoided performing concerts in the United States due to the fear that ICE operations could turn his shows into targets for immigration raids. The artist has voiced his concern for the safety of his fans, many of whom are undocumented Latinos, and has chosen to limit his presence in the country to his performance at the Super Bowl.
How has Bad Bunny responded to the criticism regarding his performance at the Super Bowl?
Bad Bunny has used platforms like Saturday Night Live to respond to criticism with humor and pride. In his monologue, he defended Latin identity and cultural resilience, highlighting that his participation in the Super Bowl is an achievement shared by the entire Latino community in the United States.
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