Donald Trump Criticizes Bad Bunny as Super Bowl Halftime Show Choice
Donald Trump recently lambasted the decision to feature Bad Bunny as the performer for this year’s Super Bowl halftime show, labeling the choice as “absolutely ridiculous.” In an interview with Greg Kelly on Newsmax, Trump expressed unfamiliarity with the Puerto Rican artist, questioning the rationale behind the selection.
Trump’s Criticism of Bad Bunny
During the interview, which aired Monday night, Trump stated, “I don’t know who he is. I don’t know why they’re doing it — it’s, like, crazy.” He attributed the decision to an unnamed promoter responsible for entertainment choices.
Super Bowl Halftime Show Selection Process
The NFL collaborates with Apple Music and Roc Nation, the entertainment company founded by Jay-Z, to select halftime performers. Bad Bunny was officially named the performer in late September 2023.
- Bad Bunny, a three-time Grammy Award winner, is known for performing primarily in Spanish.
- His latest album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” was released in January.
- This Super Bowl will mark Bad Bunny as the first Latin-American male to headline the halftime show.
Controversies Surrounding the Performer
Earlier this year, Bad Bunny criticized Trump’s immigration policies, leading him to exclude stops in the continental United States on his recent tour. He expressed concern that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) might raid concert venues.
In a related development, three days after Bad Bunny’s announcement as the halftime performer for the February 8 game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, a Trump administration official warned of ICE agents at the event. Corey Lewandowski, an adviser to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, remarked, “There is nowhere that you can provide safe haven to people who are in this country illegally.”
Response from Conservative Voices
During an appearance on “The Benny Show,” Lewandowski asserted that ICE would actively apprehend individuals in violation of immigration laws. In the same segment, Kristi Noem echoed his sentiments and dismissed the choice of Bad Bunny as a message from the NFL to the Trump administration.
Support for Bad Bunny’s Selection
Despite the backlash, Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl appointment was celebrated by Zaileen Janmohamed, president and CEO of the Bay Area Host Committee. He expressed confidence that Bad Bunny would provide an unforgettable experience at Levi’s Stadium, stating the selection highlights the Bay Area’s prestige as a premier venue for world-class events.
“The unique spirit and diversity of our region will be showcased in what promises to be a spectacular show,” Janmohamed declared.
