Trump Slams Bad Bunny Super Bowl Halftime Show as “Absolutely Ridiculous”

Former President Donald Trump has publicly criticized the NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny for the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show. He called the selection “absolutely ridiculous” during a televised interview. The comments were made on Newsmax’s “Greg Kelly Reports” this week.

This adds a political dimension to the upcoming sporting event. The musician’s past comments about immigration authorities have drawn conservative criticism.

A Controversial Pick Draws Fire

During the interview, host Greg Kelly described Bad Bunny as an artist who “hates ICE.” He suggested the performer was not a unifying figure. Kelly also claimed many people do not know who the artist is.

Trump stated he had never heard of the Puerto Rican superstar. He expressed confusion over the NFL’s decision. The former president speculated that a promoter was likely to blame for the choice.

According to Reuters, the halftime show is one of the most-watched musical events globally. The selection often generates significant public debate. This year’s criticism is notably political.

Broader Political and Cultural Impact

The controversy extends beyond Trump’s comments. Advisers like Corey Lewandowski suggested ICE would have a strong presence at the game. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem echoed this sentiment.

Bad Bunny has previously expressed concern about ICE raids at his U.S. concerts. This informed his decision to skip U.S. dates on a recent tour. His political stance is now central to the halftime show discourse.

The artist addressed the criticism head-on during his “Saturday Night Live” hosting debut. He framed his Super Bowl performance as a win for the Latino community. His monologue ended with a challenge for critics to learn Spanish.

The 2026 Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show is now a major cultural flashpoint. It highlights ongoing debates about representation and politics in sports entertainment. The performance is poised to be one of the most talked-about in recent memory.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is Bad Bunny?

Bad Bunny is a Grammy-winning Puerto Rican artist. He is one of the most streamed musicians globally. His music popularized reggaeton and Latin trap.

When is the 2026 Super Bowl?

The 2026 Super Bowl date has not been officially announced. The game typically occurs in early February. The halftime show will happen during the game’s broadcast.

Why is the Bad Bunny Super Bowl choice controversial?

Critics cite his past political statements. He has expressed concerns about U.S. immigration policies. This has drawn criticism from some political figures.

How did Bad Bunny respond to the criticism?

He addressed it humorously on “Saturday Night Live.” He called his selection a win for Latinos. He told critics they had months to learn Spanish.

Has a Latino artist ever headlined the Super Bowl halftime show before?

Yes, but it is rare. Shakiri performed with Jennifer Lopez in 2020. Bad Bunny’s solo headline spot is a significant milestone.