The NFL selected Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny to headline the Super Bowl halftime show on February 8, 2026 [thehill.com#2][lemonde.fr#1]. The announcement drew pushback from some conservatives, including criticism highlighted by Kristi Noem, while a Homeland Security adviser’s talk of possible ICE involvement was met by the White House stating there is "no tangible plan" for that [nypost.com#1][axios.com#1]. Hosting Saturday Night Live, Bad Bunny joked about the backlash but did not address the ICE topic [thehill.com#1].
Highlights:
- Political backlash: Far-right commentators criticized the pick, calling Bad Bunny a "demonic Marxist," questioning his Spanish-language performances and whether he was "American enough" [axios.com#1].
- Citizenship facts: Bad Bunny was born in Puerto Rico, making him a U.S. citizen; ICE cannot legally detain him for performing [axios.com#1].
- White House stance: The White House press secretary said there's "no tangible plan" for ICE at the Super Bowl [axios.com#1].
- Artist response: While hosting SNL, Bad Bunny poked fun at the backlash and did not address any ICE plans [thehill.com#1].
- Event timing: Super Bowl halftime is set for February 8, 2026, with Apple Music and Roc Nation involved in the show’s announcement [lemonde.fr#1][axios.com#1].
as far as I'm aware, there's no tangible plan for that in store right now. – Karoline Leavitt
Perspectives:
- White House: Said there is no tangible plan to deploy ICE at the Super Bowl. (Axios)
- Kristi Noem: Criticized the NFL’s choice, saying officials 'won’t be able to sleep at night.'. (New York Post)
- Bad Bunny: Used humor on SNL to address the moment and avoided the ICE topic. (The Hill)
- Conservative commentators: Objected to his selection, including attacks on him performing mainly in Spanish. (Axios)
Sources:
- Bad Bunny's Super Bowl backlash part of history for Latino performers – axios.com
- NFL officials won’t be ‘able to sleep at night’ after tapping Bad Bunny for Super Bowl halftime show, Kristi Noem says – nypost.com
- Bad Bunny pokes fun at Super Bowl backlash, does not address ICE plans on 'SNL' – thehill.com
- Bad Bunny brings Puerto Rican pride to the Super Bowl amid MAGA backlash – lemonde.fr
