Introduction to the Controversy
President Donald Trump expressed his disapproval of Bad Bunny headlining the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, stating, "I think it’s absolutely ridiculous." He also mentioned that he had never heard of the artist. However, Bad Bunny is a global superstar who holds major streaming records, including the most streamed Spotify album of all time with "Un Verano Sin Ti" (2022). He was the most played artist on Spotify for three years in a row, from 2020 to 2022.
Bad Bunny’s Rise to Fame
Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, known as Bad Bunny, was born in 1994 in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. He began uploading his music to SoundCloud while in college, and his song "Soy Peor" became a huge hit on YouTube in 2016, leading to a record deal. Collaborations with stars like Cardi B, J Balvin, Drake, and Rosalia increased his fame. Bad Bunny has won three Grammys and twelve Latin Grammys, and he is dubbed the "King of Latin Trap."
Unique Style and Advocacy
Bad Bunny is known for creating buzz on social media while building authentic connections with his fans. He has 49.5 million followers on Instagram and over 35 million on TikTok. As a fashion icon, he subverts gender norms through playful self-expression, embracing nail art and combining floral motifs and unexpected colors. He has also gained supporters by speaking out on issues like Puerto Rican identity, women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, and social justice.
A Voice for Puerto Rico
Bad Bunny’s announcement as the star of the Super Bowl halftime show in February 2026 was met with excitement from his fans. He stated, "What I feel goes beyond myself…this is for my people, my culture, and our history." However, some conservatives, including Fox News host Tomi Lahren, falsely claimed that Bad Bunny is not an American artist, despite being born in Puerto Rico and holding US citizenship.
Backlash from the MAGA Movement
The Super Bowl announcement has caused backlash from members of the MAGA movement, with some fans planning to boycott the game. Conservative political commentator Benny Johnson criticized Bad Bunny’s appearance, and Trump’s Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that ICE officers would be everywhere during the 2026 Super Bowl. Bad Bunny previously stated that he would not plan any stops in the mainland United States during his upcoming world tour due to fears of ICE raids.
Reaction to the Backlash
Bad Bunny hosted the season premiere of "Saturday Night Live" and joked about the backlash in his opening monologue, saying, "I think everyone is happy about it – even Fox News." He also spoke in Spanish, expressing pride and joy in his achievement, and concluded, "If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn!" Bad Bunny’s music catalog saw a surge in streams due to the backlash, and observers note that the NFL’s move is likely about increasing global ratings.
The Political Impact
The political impact of Bad Bunny’s show could last long after the final touchdown of the game. Far-right Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green wrote, "It would be a good time to pass my bill to make English the official language of America," and added that the NFL needs to stop showing "demonic sexual performances" during its halftime shows. Despite the backlash, Bad Bunny’s performance is expected to make history as the first entirely Spanish-language act at the Super Bowl.
