President Donald Trump expressed his disapproval of the NFL’s choice for the Super Bowl III halftime show, particularly regarding Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny’s scheduled performance in February.
During a discussion on Newsmax with Greg Kelly, Trump was asked about the selection of Bad Bunny, to which he candidly replied, “I’ve never heard of him. I don’t know who he is.” He found the decision puzzling, commenting on the shift in entertainment focus for the event.
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, has drawn some criticism as he primarily sings in Spanish. This, combined with his past comments about avoiding U.S. cities due to concerns over immigration enforcement, makes his choice somewhat controversial among certain fans.
In the interview, Trump went on to state, “I think that’s completely ridiculous,” referencing how the NFL is attributing the decision to external promoters.
The NFL clarified in an official announcement that Bad Bunny, a three-time Grammy winner, was chosen to perform at the upcoming Super Bowl, scheduled to take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 8, 2026.
According to the announcement, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation is involved in curating the halftime show, and he emphasized Bad Bunny’s ability to connect with diverse audiences as a reason for the selection.
In response to the controversy, Corey Lewandowski, an advisor from the Trump administration, mentioned that there should be no illegal safe havens, particularly referencing high-profile events like the Super Bowl.
House Speaker Mike Johnson also weighed in, calling the decision to include Bad Bunny “terrible.” Meanwhile, Bad Bunny responded to critics on Saturday Night Live, humorously addressing the backlash and claiming the booking was a significant achievement for both himself and Puerto Ricans, but reminded audiences they have time to learn Spanish if they don’t understand him.
Additionally, Trump shared his thoughts on the NFL’s kickoff rules during the same appearance, criticizing the current format as “ridiculous” and asserting it diminishes the game’s quality. He argued that the new kickoff formation—implemented before the 2024 season—does not enhance safety, despite the NFL reporting a notable decrease in concussions that year.
He concluded, “It devalues football, you know what I mean? New kickoff rules, it’s ridiculous.”
