Former President Donald Trump has slammed the NFL’s decision to select Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny as the 2026 Super Bowl halftime performer, calling it “absolutely ridiculous.” Speaking on Newsmax’s Greg Kelly Reports, Trump joined a growing conservative uproar over the choice, questioning the NFL’s motives and admitting he had never even heard of the global superstar.
Read: Trump’s National Guard Move Crushed Again as His Own Appointee Blocks Deployment to Portland
Trump Joins Conservative Backlash
During his appearance on Greg Kelly Reports, Trump responded to the heated criticism surrounding Bad Bunny’s upcoming halftime performance. The 79-year-old former president said, “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.” He went on to call the decision “absolutely ridiculous,” echoing outrage from MAGA supporters who argue the performer’s political stances make him unsuitable for the show. Trump claimed the NFL’s entertainment choices are out of touch with mainstream America.
Also read: ICE Faces Backlash After Posting Mocking Video of Protester Being Dragged Away
MAGA Meltdown Over Selection
The announcement that Bad Bunny would headline the 2026 Super Bowl in Santa Clara, California, triggered an immediate backlash from conservative circles. Many MAGA figures expressed frustration online, suggesting that Christian rock band Creed would have been a more “patriotic” choice. “The NFL just chose the Bad Bunny rabbit or whatever his name is,” Greg Kelly mocked on air. “This guy, who hates ICE, he doesn’t like you, he accuses everything he doesn’t like of racism.” Kelly even floated the idea of an NFL boycott, questioning whether the performer represented American values.
Also read: Chicago Leaders Fire Back After Kristi Noem Calls City a ‘War Zone’
Bad Bunny’s Political Stance
Bad Bunny, 31, has often been outspoken on political and social issues, particularly immigration. Last month, he told i-D magazine that he left the U.S. off his world tour due to fears of ICE raids. “Like, f—ing ICE could be outside [my concert],” he said. “And it’s something that we were talking about and very concerned about.” The comment, which resurfaced after the Super Bowl announcement, reignited conservative anger, with figures accusing him of being “anti-American.”
Also read: White House Breaks Silence After SNL Mocks Trump in Season 51 Premiere
Lawmakers and Commentators React
Several right-wing figures have used the controversy to amplify their cultural grievances. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene denounced the performer on X, writing, “Bad Bunny says America has 4 months to learn Spanish before his perverse, unwanted performance at the Super Bowl halftime. It would be a good time to pass my bill to make English the official language of America.” Similarly, conservative pundits like Benny Johnson and Megyn Kelly called Bad Bunny’s selection “a middle finger to MAGA” and “a slap in the face to conservatives.” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also weighed in, warning that ICE agents would be “all over” the 2026 Super Bowl, adding, “You shouldn’t be coming to the Super Bowl unless you are a law-abiding American citizen.”
Also read: ‘Totally Absurd!’ Mike Johnson Loses Cool as Epstein Question Triggers Heated TV Clash
Bad Bunny Responds to Criticism
Appearing as the host of Saturday Night Live’s season premiere, Bad Bunny addressed the controversy directly. Speaking in Spanish, he said, “All Latinos and Latinas all over the world, and here in the United States, all the people who have worked to open doors… More than an achievement of mine, it’s an achievement of everyone.” He concluded in English, “If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn!” The line quickly went viral, fueling both praise and outrage.
Also read: Trump Says He Warned America About Bin Laden Before 9/11
NFL Stands by Its Decision
Despite the uproar, the NFL has not indicated any plans to reconsider the halftime show lineup. A spokesperson declined to comment further, while Bad Bunny’s representatives have not responded to media inquiries. The league appears committed to featuring more diverse performers, continuing a trend that has included artists like Rihanna, Shakira, and The Weeknd in previous years.
Also read: Billionaire Wealth Soars While Ordinary Americans Face Rising Costs Under Trump
Pop Culture Clash Deepens
The backlash highlights a widening cultural divide between conservative America and the entertainment industry. To Trump and his supporters, Bad Bunny’s selection symbolizes Hollywood’s liberal bias. To others, it marks a historic recognition of Latin music’s global influence. As the countdown to the 2026 Super Bowl begins, the halftime show is shaping up to be one of the most politically charged performances in recent memory.