Trump slams Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl 2026 pick as ridiculous and total madness Por Luís Henrique Costa
5 min de leitura
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Trump labeled the selection of Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny for the Super Bowl 2026 halftime show as ridiculous. The statement came during an interview on the Greg Kelly Reports on Newsmax this Monday (6). The U.S. president claimed he does not know the artist and questioned the NFL’s decision, announced on September 28.
The event is scheduled for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The controversy intensified after the government announced the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the venue. The measure aims to monitor undocumented immigrants during the performance.
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is a U.S. citizen born in Puerto Rico. He avoided U.S. shows on his tour due to concerns over ICE actions. The Super Bowl is his only confirmed performance in the country.
Trump’s reaction reflects political tensions involving the singer. Bad Bunny supported Kamala Harris in the 2024 election and criticized the Republican’s anti-immigration policies. The artist recently released the album Debí Tirar Más Fotos, addressing these issues.
Trump’s statements on the performer
The president expressed surprise at the choice during the interview. He called the decision crazy and blamed NFL promoters. Trump emphasized that the event should feature artists aligned with American values.
The statement sparked debates in conservative media. The focus fell on the cultural impact of a Spanish-language performance. The NFL defended the selection as a way to celebrate diversity in the league.
Government’s stance with ICE agents
Advisor Corey Lewandowski confirmed federal agents’ presence at the stadium. He called the choice shameful and promised actions against undocumented immigrants. Lewandowski stressed that the Super Bowl is not a sanctuary for those breaking immigration laws.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem backed the measure on a podcast. She said agents will be throughout the venue to ensure safety. Noem noted the event is for citizens who follow the country’s rules.
The government’s decision aligns with stricter immigration enforcement. Since the term began, ICE has increased operations at major events. Authorities expect rigorous monitoring to prevent incidents.
Bad Bunny’s history with U.S. policies
The singer avoided tours in the 50 states due to fears of detentions at shows. In an i-D interview, he mentioned internal discussions about the risk. Bad Bunny opted for residencies in Puerto Rico and international dates.
He previously performed at the Super Bowl as a guest in 2020 alongside Jennifer Lopez and Shakira. The show included immigration-related messages. The artist has won three Grammys and 11 Latin Grammys.
- Criticism of Trump in recent albums, referencing anti-Latino policies.
- Explicit support for Democratic candidates in past elections.
- Music videos with satirical elements, including mock apologies from the president for immigration policies.
Musical journey to the Super Bowl
Bad Bunny emerged in 2016 via SoundCloud and gained global fame. His 2022 album Un Verano Sin Ti is Spotify’s most-streamed ever. The new album pays tribute to Puerto Rico with social critiques of the U.S.
The NFL and Roc Nation chose the artist for his reach. He is the first Latino man to headline the show solo. The event is expected to draw a record audience, targeting Hispanic viewers.
The singer hosted Saturday Night Live in October. In the monologue, he thanked the opportunity and highlighted a win for Latinos. Bad Bunny emphasized doors opened by music pioneers.
Political tensions in the new album
Tracks like Nuevayol celebrate New York’s immigrants and denounce prejudice. The music video features scenes at the Statue of Liberty with a Puerto Rican flag. The reference recalls Tito Kayak’s 2000 protest for the island’s independence.
The album avoids U.S. dates to protect fans. Bad Bunny held a 31-day residency in San Juan, sold out quickly. The project generated $1.4 billion for Latin music in 2024.
The Super Bowl marks a one-off return to the mainland. Authorities are monitoring to prevent protests. The singer plans a setlist with hits and cultural messages.
Media and fan reactions
Conservatives called the show anti-American on social media. Fans defended the NFL’s diversity as progress. The debate underscores Latin music’s rise in the U.S.
Bad Bunny’s selection drove over 100 million weekly streams. He appears in films like Happy Gilmore 2. The Super Bowl is expected to boost viewership by 20% with the headliner.
- Surge in ticket searches after the NFL announcement.
- Boycott calls from right-wing commentators.
- Support from Democrats, like Senator Tim Kaine, joking about the setlist.
