In a surprising turn of events, US President Donald Trump has weighed in on the recent controversy surrounding the choice of Bad Bunny as the headliner for the Super Bowl 2026 halftime show. During a brief interview with Newsmax, Trump expressed his lack of familiarity with the Puerto Rican superstar, one of the most listened-to artists in Latin America.
«I’ve never heard of him, I don’t know who he is, I don’t know why they chose him (for the Super Bowl halftime show), it’s crazy,» the President stated bluntly. «And then they blame the promoter they hired to provide the entertainment. I think it’s totally ridiculous.»
Trump’s dismissive comments have sparked outrage and debate, with many questioning the President’s understanding of the global music landscape and his apparent disregard for the growing influence of Latin artists on the world stage. Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has become a cultural phenomenon, breaking records and captivating audiences worldwide with his unique blend of reggaeton, trap, and pop.
Concerns Over Immigration Enforcement
The controversy deepened when Corey Lewandowski, the US National Security Advisor, confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents would be present at the event, hinting at the possibility of raids near the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
«We will not leave any place where people who are in this country without documents can be given refuge. We will find them. We will arrest them. We will detain them in a detention center and deport them,» Lewandowski stated, expressing his «displeasure» at the decision to have Bad Bunny perform during the NFL’s biggest event.
«It’s a shame they’ve decided to choose someone who seems to hate America so much to represent them at halftime,» Lewandowski commented. «We’re going to ensure the safety of Americans. That’s the President’s directive. If you’re in this country illegally, do yourself a favor: go home.»
Backlash and Calls for Boycott
The President’s and Advisor’s remarks have sparked a wave of backlash, with many fans and supporters of Bad Bunny calling for a boycott of the Super Bowl in protest. The decision to have ICE agents present at the event has also raised concerns about the potential for disruption and the targeting of Latino fans and attendees.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the NFL and the organizers of the Super Bowl halftime show will likely face increasing pressure to address the concerns raised by the Trump administration’s comments and the potential for immigration enforcement actions during the event.
The 2026 Super Bowl halftime show promises to be a highly anticipated and politically charged moment, with Bad Bunny’s performance serving as a symbol of the growing influence and recognition of Latin music and culture on the global stage.
