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Donald Trump Slams NFL’s Choice of Bad Bunny for Super Bowl LX Halftime Show

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Controversy surrounds the NFL’s decision to feature Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl LX halftime show. Donald Trump and other political figures express strong disapproval, but the Puerto Rican star remains poised for his moment in the spotlight.

President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC on October 6, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC on October 6, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

A firestorm of criticism has erupted over the NFL’s decision to feature Puerto Rican reggaeton star Bad Bunny as the headliner for the Super Bowl LX halftime show. Among the critics is former President Donald Trump, who voiced his disapproval during a recent phone interview on Greg Kelly Reports.

Trump Calls NFL’s Choice “Crazy”

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President Donald Trump is in a phone conversation with Greg Kelly on "Greg Kelly Reports, from a video post dated October 7, 2025 | Source: YouTube/ Newsmax
President Donald Trump is in a phone conversation with Greg Kelly on “Greg Kelly Reports, from a video post dated October 7, 2025 | Source: YouTube/ Newsmax

During the segment, which covered topics from urban crime to government spending, host Greg Kelly shifted focus to the controversial halftime performer selection. Trump admitted to being unfamiliar with the reggaeton artist, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, better known as Bad Bunny.

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“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, calling the decision “absolutely ridiculous.” He further criticized the NFL’s reliance on promoters for entertainment choices, dismissing it as a poor judgment.

Bad Bunny performs live during "No Me Quiero Ir De Aquí; Una Más" Residencia at Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan on September 20, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Bad Bunny performs live during “No Me Quiero Ir De Aquí; Una Más” Residencia at Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan on September 20, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

House Speaker Joins the Backlash

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Trump’s remarks were echoed by House Speaker Mike Johnson in a separate interview on October 7, 2025. Johnson, who also expressed his ignorance of Bad Bunny’s music, argued that the Super Bowl, with its massive global audience, should focus on “role models” rather than controversial figures.

Bad Bunny attends Columbia Pictures' "Caught Stealing" premiere at Regal Union Square in New York City on August 26, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Bad Bunny attends Columbia Pictures’ “Caught Stealing” premiere at Regal Union Square in New York City on August 26, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Johnson also emphasized the event’s significant influence on younger viewers, suggesting that the halftime stage should feature artists who resonate with a broader audience.

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Bad Bunny Addresses Immigration Concerns Ahead of U.S. Performance

 

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A post shared by Benito Antonio (@badbunnypr)

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While Bad Bunny has yet to comment directly on the political backlash, he has previously expressed concerns about performing in the U.S., particularly regarding immigration enforcement. In a September 2025 interview, the artist shared his discomfort with the presence of ICE at past concerts, noting the anxiety it caused for both himself and his fans.

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A post shared by Benito Antonio (@badbunnypr)

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“But there was the issue of — like, [expletive] ICE could be outside [my concert],” Bad Bunny revealed, highlighting the immigration challenges he faces as an artist.

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Bad Bunny’s Continued Global Success

Despite the controversy surrounding his Super Bowl appearance, Bad Bunny’s career remains unstoppable. In January 2025, he released DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, a groundbreaking album that fused Puerto Rican musical genres with cultural themes. His 2022 album Un Verano Sin Ti remains Spotify’s most-streamed album of all time, further cementing his global influence.

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In addition to his musical success, Bad Bunny has ventured into acting, starring in films like Bullet Train, Caught Stealing, and Happy Gilmore 2, which debuted on Netflix in 2025.

Bad Bunny Confirms Super Bowl Performance

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On September 29, 2025, Bad Bunny officially confirmed his Super Bowl LX halftime performance through an Instagram post that read, “Super Bowl LX. Bay Area. February 2026.” In his Saturday Night Live monologue on October 5, 2025, the artist expressed his excitement, saying:

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“I’m doing the Super Bowl halftime show. I’m very excited to be doing the Super Bowl. And I know that people all around the world who love my music are also happy.”

With Kendrick Lamar’s Apple Music Super Bowl LIX performance receiving widespread acclaim, Bad Bunny’s upcoming performance is shaping up to be another historic moment for music and culture.

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Super Bowl LX: A Moment of Global Significance

As the debate around his selection continues, one thing is clear: Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX halftime show is poised to be one of the most talked-about events of 2026. With millions of fans across the globe eagerly awaiting his performance, Bad Bunny’s impact on the music and entertainment world shows no signs of slowing down.

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