It looks like Donald Trump isn’t joining the chorus of excitement over next year’s Super Bowl halftime show. The president has made it clear he’s not a fan of the NFL’s decision to tap Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny for one of the most-watched performances on Earth.
The halftime show, known for featuring megastars like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga, is a cultural spectacle that draws millions of viewers each year. But when the NFL confirmed that Bad Bunny — the global Latin trap sensation — would headline next February’s show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, Trump wasn’t thrilled.
Speaking to Newsmax, the president didn’t hold back.
“I never heard of him, I don’t know who he is, I don’t know why they’re doing it — it’s like, crazy,” Trump said.
According to Trump, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has been trying to deflect criticism by blaming the pick on “some promoter they hired,” but Trump says the decision is still “absolutely ridiculous.”
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, rose to fame after collaborating with Cardi B on the hit single “I Like It” and has since become one of the most influential Latin artists in history. But he’s also made headlines for his outspoken criticism of Trump’s immigration policies — particularly his handling of Puerto Rico and his administration’s aggressive ICE enforcement.
On Saturday Night Live, which he hosted earlier this month, Bad Bunny responded to critics with his trademark humor, joking that “everyone is happy about it — even Fox News.” The segment cut to a clearly edited clip of anchors appearing to say: “Bad Bunny is my favorite musician and he should be the next president.”
The rapper also took a more serious tone, thanking “Latinos and Latinas of the world and the U.S.” and emphasizing that “our footprints and our contribution in this country — no one will ever be able to take that away or erase it.”
Despite his excitement for the performance, Bad Bunny previously admitted that touring in the United States has become complicated due to immigration enforcement under Trump’s administration.
“There were many reasons why I didn’t show up in the U.S., and none of them were out of hate,” he said in an interview with Variety. “But there was the issue of f***ing ICE outside my concerts.”
His concerns weren’t unfounded. Trump advisor Corey Lewandowski confirmed that ICE agents would be present at the Super Bowl, warning that enforcement efforts would continue even during major events.
“There is nowhere you can provide safe haven to people who are in this country illegally — not the Super Bowl and nowhere else,” Lewandowski said. “We will find and deport you. I don’t care if it’s a concert for Johnny Smith or Bad Bunny or anybody else.”
Lewandowski added that the choice of Bad Bunny was “shameful,” claiming the rapper “seems to hate America.”
The controversy has quickly become one of the biggest talking points leading up to the 2026 Super Bowl. Supporters of the artist see his selection as a celebration of Latino culture and global music, while critics — including Trump and his advisors — are calling it a political statement.
Bad Bunny, however, seems unfazed. Sources close to the performer told Billboard that he’s focused on delivering “one of the most electrifying halftime shows ever seen.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s reaction underscores his ongoing feud with both the NFL and the entertainment industry — two arenas that have often clashed with his administration over politics, patriotism, and immigration.
As the Super Bowl countdown begins, one thing’s for sure: even before kickoff, this year’s halftime show is already making headlines — and dividing America once again.
Sarah Mitchell is a bestselling novelist recognized for her insightful and emotionally resonant stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sarah grew up in a family of teachers who nurtured her curiosity and love for storytelling. She studied psychology at Stanford University, where she became fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior—an interest that would later shape her writing career. Sarah’s novels are praised for their nuanced characters, intricate plots, and ability to capture the subtle tensions that define love, friendship, and family ties. Her breakthrough novel, The Spaces Between Us, became an instant bestseller, lauded for its honest portrayal of strained family relationships and the fragile bonds that hold people together. Since then, she has published several works that continue to captivate audiences around the world. Outside of her writing career, Sarah is passionate about mental health advocacy and often partners with organizations to promote awareness and support for those struggling with emotional well-being. Her personal life is quieter—she enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains, practicing yoga, and spending time with close friends. With each new book, Sarah Mitchell cements her reputation as a writer who illuminates the beauty and struggles of human connection.
