President Donald Trump ripped the NFL as Puerto Rican superstar artist Bad Bunny was chosen to headline the Super Bowl halftime show, calling the decision "absolutely ridiculous" and "crazy."
Newsweek reached out to the NFL via email Monday night for comment.
Latin music icon Bad Bunny's selection as the headline performer for the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show on February 8, 2026, has ignited debate beyond the entertainment world. The announcement spotlights growing cultural representation at one of the most-watched annual events in the United States, drawing sharp criticism -- particularly from the MAGA movement.
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has emerged as a leading voice in Spanish-language music and is known for his outspoken views on U.S. politics and immigration. His appointment to such a visible stage has been hailed by some as a milestone for Latin artists, while others see it as a flashpoint in the ongoing U.S. culture wars.
On September 29, the NFL and Roc Nation announced Bad Bunny as the lead performer for the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, set for Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
The news marked a major moment for Latin music in the United States but was quickly met with negative responses from right-leaning commentators and Trump supporters. Conservative critics cited Bad Bunny's prior public opposition to Trump and his decision to avoid U.S. venues due to reported concerns over U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity, raising questions about the NFL's choice.
Trump addressed the announcement in a televised interview with Newsmax's Greg Kelly on Monday: "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, and then they blame it on some promoter that they hired to pick up entertainment. I think it's absolutely ridiculous."
During his opening monologue as guest host on Saturday Night Live's Season 51 premiere over the weekend, Bad Bunny addressed the backlash bilingually, saying in part, "I'm very happy. And I think everyone is happy about it. Even Fox News." He then delivered a message in Spanish: "It's more than an achievement for myself; it's an achievement for all of us. It shows our footprint and our contribution to this country that no one will ever be able to take away or erase."
Florida's first lady, Casey DeSantis, on X last week: "Not trying to start anything here, but honestly... who exactly is Bad Bunny?"
Danica Patrick, former NASCAR driver turned conservative commentator, on X last week: "Oh fun. No songs in English should not be allowed at one of America's highest rated television events of the year... not just for sports."
Democratic Senator of Virginia Tim Kaine, on X Sunday: "I'm praying for Bad Bunny to do a super camped out version of Ice Ice Babies."
The Super Bowl halftime show is expected to draw continued debate over cultural representation and the intersection of sports, entertainment and politics.
According to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, ICE agents will have a presence at the game following Bad Bunny's previous comments about concerns over immigration enforcement at large events.