Numerous conservative football enthusiasts on social media are expressing displeasure following the NFL’s recent announcement of securing a globally renowned pop star, who is known for criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump, to headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show.
Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican singer and rapper, has achieved chart-topping success with multiple tracks from his latest album titled DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS this year. Moreover, his 2022 album Un Verano Sin Ti holds the record as the most streamed album on Spotify to date.
Critics from the conservative camp are distressed over the possibility of Bad Bunny using the halftime stage to voice anti-Trump sentiments. They are particularly critical of his gender-fluid fashion choices and his preference for singing predominantly in Spanish rather than English.
Conservative activist and filmmaker Robby Starbuck expressed his concerns on X, stating, “This selection seems intended to sow division among football fans rather than provide pure entertainment. Bad Bunny is likely to convey a woke message during his performance.”
Stacy Lee Kong, a cultural critic and founder of media brand Friday Things based in Toronto, notes that Bad Bunny’s appeal transcends the Spanish-speaking demographic in the U.S., drawing in a diverse audience.
Kong also points out that while many fans may tune in to watch Bad Bunny’s performance, some disgruntled viewers might watch with the intention of sharing critical opinions online.
Excitement level: 🙄 <br>Having songs exclusively in English should be a requirement for a major U.S. television event like the Super Bowl… not limited to sports.
—@DanicaPatrick
According to Kong, the decision to feature Bad Bunny is strategically sound from a commercial standpoint.
Bad Bunny previously made a surprise appearance at the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show alongside Shakira and Jennifer Lopez. The NFL, in collaboration with Apple Music and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, officially revealed the selection on Sunday.
Singer’s Prior Stance on U.S. Touring
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, recently concluded a successful 31-show residency in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He opted against touring the continental U.S., citing concerns over potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids amid widespread deportations affecting Latino communities.
In an interview with i-D magazine, Bad Bunny expressed apprehension about ICE presence at his concerts and the associated risks.
Some critics have accused him of inconsistency for accepting the halftime show offer despite his previous stance. Kong acknowledges this criticism as valid and questions how Bad Bunny plans to ensure his team’s security at the upcoming event in Santa Clara, California.
Corey Lewandowski, a senior adviser to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, hinted at potential ICE enforcement at the Super Bowl, emphasizing that no place offers sanctuary to undocumented individuals within the country.
Lewandowski made these remarks during an interview on The Benny Show with conservative commentator Benny Johnson.
History of Anti-Trump Sentiments
Bad Bunny has been vocal in his criticism of Trump, particularly in