February 9, 2026 — As Bad Bunny prepares to take the stage for the Super Bowl halftime show, the world eagerly anticipates his performance, particularly in light of his outspoken political views. The Puerto Rican rapper, known for his bold statements, is expected to address the state of Donald Trump’s America during his performance.
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has never shied away from expressing his political opinions. Just last week, he used his Grammy Awards acceptance speech to protest against Trump’s immigration policies, declaring,
“We are not savages, we are not animals, we are not aliens – we are humans, and we are Americans. ICE out.”
The Super Bowl represents one of the largest platforms available, and expectations are high that Bad Bunny will deliver another pointed message.
Political Tensions and Cultural Clashes
The announcement of Bad Bunny’s performance has not been without controversy. Known for performing exclusively in Spanish and embracing drag culture, Bad Bunny has been a polarizing figure for many conservatives. His decision to exclude the U.S. from his latest tour due to fears of ICE targeting further fuels the debate.
Former President Donald Trump criticized the NFL’s decision to feature Bad Bunny, calling it “absolutely ridiculous” and questioning the choice. Conservative commentators have also expressed their discontent, with Jimmy Failla, a Fox News host, sarcastically commenting on the cultural implications of the performance.
Alternative Halftime Show
In response to Bad Bunny’s anticipated political statements, Turning Point USA has organized the All-American Halftime Show, which will air concurrently on several conservative networks. This alternative event, described as a celebration of faith, family, and freedom, features Kid Rock as the headliner, a longtime supporter of Trump.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the televisions at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Super Bowl party would likely be tuned to this alternative show, emphasizing the political divide even on a day traditionally meant to unite Americans.
Super Bowl: A Stage for Activism
Bad Bunny’s performance is not the only politically charged element of this year’s Super Bowl. World Without Exploitation, an activist group, will air an advertisement highlighting the ongoing fight against human trafficking and sexual exploitation. The ad features survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse, calling for the release of additional documents related to his case.
Robert Garcia, a top Democrat on the House oversight committee, emphasized the importance of the ad, stating,
“You don’t ‘move on’ from the largest sex-trafficking ring in the world. You expose it.”
The ad’s timing and content underscore the intersection of entertainment and activism on one of the year’s most-watched stages.
Implications and Forward-Looking Analysis
The inclusion of political and activist messages in the Super Bowl reflects broader societal divisions and the evolving role of entertainment as a platform for social commentary. While Bad Bunny’s performance and the alternative halftime show highlight cultural and political rifts, they also demonstrate the power of art and media to influence public discourse.
As the world watches, the Super Bowl serves as a microcosm of the current American landscape, where entertainment, politics, and activism intersect in complex and often contentious ways. The outcomes of these performances and advertisements may well shape public conversations and political narratives in the weeks and months to come.
