The Super Bowl LX halftime show is still a ways off, set for February 8, 2026, but it’s already sparking big conversations. Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny was recently tapped to headline the big event at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. This news quickly made waves, drawing reactions from all corners, including former President Donald Trump.
Trump, who is 79 years old, shared his thoughts on Monday, October 6, during an appearance on Newsmax’s Greg Kelly Reports. When asked about a possible "boycott" over the 31-year-old rapper’s selection, Trump confessed he didn’t even know who Bad Bunny was. "I’ve never heard of him," Trump stated over the phone. "I don’t know who he is. I don’t know why they’re doing it. It’s, like, crazy." He then added, "I think it’s absolutely ridiculous."
Beyond the halftime show, Trump also voiced his opinions on changes to NFL rules. He brought up the league’s new permanent kick-off rules, which start with the 2025 season. "While we’re at it, I’d like them to change the kick-off rule, which seems ridiculous," Trump argued. "Where the ball is kicked and floats in the air while everyone stands there watching it." The new rules require the ball to be kicked from the 35-yard line. Most players on the kicking team line up at the receiving team’s 40-yard line. Players must wait until the ball hits the ground or is touched by a returner inside the 20-yard line before moving. This change aims to prevent injuries during kick-off returns. However, Trump disagreed, saying, "It’s not safer than the regular kick-off." He continued, "I think it looks terrible. Honestly, I think it really degrades American football. It’s a great sport. But it degrades American football."
Bad Bunny himself poked fun at the criticism he received during his hosting gig on Saturday Night Live on Saturday, October 4. "Maybe you don’t know, but I’m doing the Super Bowl halftime show," he announced during his opening monologue. "I’m very happy, and I think everyone is very happy about it. Even Fox News." SNL then showed a fake news montage, edited to say, "Bad Bunny is my favorite musician, and he should be the next president." He also joked in Spanish, telling anyone who didn’t understand, "If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn!"
Meanwhile, some conservative figures have openly spoken against Bad Bunny’s selection. Former race car driver Danica Patrick, 42, was among them. She posted on X on September 29, "How funny. Non-English songs shouldn’t be allowed in one of the highest-rated TV events of the year in America… and not just in sports." Patrick doubled down on her stance during an appearance on Steve Bannon’s "War Room" podcast on Friday, October 3. "I have no problem with someone who isn’t American performing at halftime, although Bad Bunny is technically a citizen because he was born in Puerto Rico," she explained. "He wasn’t necessarily born in the United States. I don’t care where you were born. What I care about is being able to sing the music. His music has almost nothing in English."
Despite these critical voices, many have also celebrated Bad Bunny’s upcoming performance. Singer Jennifer Lopez, who headlined the 2020 halftime show, offered her full support. "I think he’s going to blow everyone’s minds," Lopez said on Monday’s Today show. "It’s an introduction for some people." It seems the road to the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show will be anything but quiet.