California Governor Declares Super Bowl Sunday 'Bad Bunny Day'

Newsom's social media post trolls President Trump while celebrating the Puerto Rican superstar's halftime performance.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared Super Bowl Sunday as 'Bad Bunny Day' in the state, ahead of the Puerto Rican artist's halftime performance at the big game. Newsom made the announcement on social media, praising Bad Bunny's music and appearance while also taking a jab at former President Donald Trump.

Why it matters

Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance has drawn criticism from some conservative groups, making Newsom's declaration a symbolic show of support for the artist and the Latino community. The governor's social media trolling of Trump also reflects the ongoing political tensions between California and the former president.

The details

In his social media post, Newsom wrote that he is 'a tremendous lover of 'the Spanish'' and a 'huge fan of Puerrrrrrrto Rico,' before declaring Sunday as 'Bad Bunny Day' in California. The governor praised Bad Bunny's 'soothing, beautiful voice, and his very nice looks.' Newsom's post was an apparent imitation of Trump's social media style.

  • Super Bowl LX will take place on Sunday, February 9, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
  • Bad Bunny is scheduled to perform during the Super Bowl halftime show.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The current Governor of California, known for his progressive policies and social media presence.

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican superstar musician who is set to perform during the Super Bowl LX halftime show.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who has been criticized by Bad Bunny for his immigration policies.

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What they’re saying

“As many people know, I am a tremendous lover of 'the Spanish.' It is a beautiful language spoken by many beautiful people in the great state of California and across the world. I am also a huge fan of Puerrrrrrrto Rico.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (X)

“Before I say thanks to God, I'm gonna say: ICE out. We're not savage, we're not animals, we're not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans.”

— Bad Bunny (Grammys)

“The hate gets more powerful with more hate. The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love. So please, we need to be different. If we fight, we have to do it with love. We don't hate them, we love our family. Don't forget it, that's how we do it with love.”

— Bad Bunny (Grammys)

What’s next

Bad Bunny is set to take the stage for the Super Bowl LX halftime show on Sunday, February 9, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.

The takeaway

Governor Newsom's declaration of 'Bad Bunny Day' in California reflects the growing influence and popularity of Latino artists, as well as the ongoing political tensions between the state and the former Trump administration. Bad Bunny's outspoken advocacy for immigrant rights and social justice issues has made him a polarizing figure, but his halftime performance promises to be a major highlight of the Super Bowl.