Trump Administration Criticizes Super Bowl Halftime Show Performer Bad Bunny

The president won't attend the game, citing the entertainment lineup as a factor.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 7:15pm

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President Donald Trump will not attend Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, citing the halftime show performer Bad Bunny and other musical acts as a reason. The Trump administration has criticized Bad Bunny's selection, with the White House press secretary and a Trump adviser speaking out against the Puerto Rican musician. However, the NFL has stated that immigration enforcement will not have a presence at the Super Bowl events.

Why it matters

The Trump administration's criticism of the Super Bowl halftime show performer reflects the ongoing political tensions and debates around immigration policy in the United States. The president's decision not to attend the game also highlights the continued politicization of major sporting events.

The details

In February 2025, President Trump attended the Super Bowl, becoming the first sitting president to do so. However, this year he has decided not to go, citing the halftime show performers Bad Bunny and Green Day as a factor. The White House press secretary has criticized Bad Bunny for his anti-ICE comments, while a Trump adviser initially claimed ICE would increase its presence at the Super Bowl before the NFL denied those plans.

  • In February 2025, President Trump attended the Super Bowl.
  • On Sunday, Super Bowl LX will take place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

The players

Donald Trump

The 46th and current President of the United States.

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican musician who is the headliner for the Super Bowl LX halftime show.

Karoline Levitt

The White House press secretary who has criticized Bad Bunny's selection for the halftime show.

Corey Lewandowski

An adviser to the Department of Homeland Security who initially claimed ICE would increase its presence at the Super Bowl.

Cathy Lanier

The NFL's head of security who announced that immigration enforcement will not have a presence at the Super Bowl events.

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What they’re saying

“I'm anti-them. I think it's a terrible choice. All it does is sow hatred. Terrible.”

— Donald Trump (New York Post)

“It is ironic and frankly sad that celebrities who live in gated communities with private security would choose to demonize law enforcement public servants, who work for the United States government to enforce our nation's laws.”

— Karoline Levitt, White House Press Secretary (Reuters)

“There is nowhere that you can provide safe haven to people who are in the country illegally, not the Super Bowl not anywhere else.”

— Corey Lewandowski, Adviser to the Department of Homeland Security (Benny Johnson's podcast)

“There are no planned ICE or immigration enforcement operations that are scheduled around the Super Bowl or any of the Super Bowl–related events.”

— Cathy Lanier, NFL's Head of Security (Reuters)

What’s next

The Trump administration's criticism of Bad Bunny's selection for the Super Bowl halftime show is likely to continue, but the NFL has stated that immigration enforcement will not have a presence at the game or related events.

The takeaway

The Trump administration's objections to the Super Bowl halftime show performer highlight the ongoing political tensions around immigration policy in the United States, as well as the continued politicization of major sporting events.