White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a straightforward message to reporters on Thursday: President Donald Trump has no interest in tuning in for Bad Bunny‘s Super Bowl halftime performance.
When asked about the choice between the Grammy-winning Puerto Rican artist’s set and an alternative event, Leavitt didn’t mince words, declaring that the president “would much prefer a Kid Rock performance over Bad Bunny.”
The official NFL performance, sponsored by Apple Music, has drawn scrutiny following Bad Bunny’s repeated outspoken criticism of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), something that has drawn the ire of the President. The entertainer amped it up once again with his speech at the Grammys earlier this week.
“Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out,” the artist said as he accepted an award. “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans.”
He’s also raised the ire of half the American population with previous pro-illegal immigrant comments, not to mention taunting from his entourage suggesting he’ll wear a dress during his performance, though they’ve walked back that threat.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt says President Donald Trump “would much prefer a Kid Rock performance over Bad Bunny” at his Super Bowl partypic.twitter.com/eOAArjIlWg
— Brandon Straka #WalkAway (@BrandonStraka) February 5, 2026
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Reveals Trump’s Preference for Kid Rock’s ‘All-American’ Halftime Over Bad Bunny’s Controversial Performance
Leavitt’s comment, as well as Trump’s thoughts on the matter, underscores a growing cultural divide, as conservatives have voiced strong concerns over Bad Bunny’s “woke” values and political stances. The NFL’s decision to promote this guy has prompted many in the America First crowd to look elsewhere for their halftime entertainment.
The backlash has already spurred action from Turning Point USA, which is hosting an “All-American” alternative halftime show headlined by Kid Rock — a red-blooded, unapologetic patriot known for high-energy rock anthems and unwavering support for traditional values.
Rock recently took a jab at Bunny.
“He’s said he’s having a dance party, wearing a dress, and singing in Spanish? Cool. We plan to play great songs for folks who love America,” Rock said.
READ MORE: Roger Goodell Sure Sounds Nervous About Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Performance
In addition to Bad Bunny, the Super Bowl will see an appearance by Green Day, a badly aging alt-rock band that has referred to the President as a Nazi.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has practically begged the artists not to engage in political activism during the show.
“Listen, Bad Bunny, is – and I think that was demonstrated last night (at the Grammys) – one of the great artists in the world, and that’s one of the reasons we chose him,” Goodell told reporters.
“But the other reason is he understood the platform he was on, and that this platform is used to unite people, and to be able to bring people together with their creativity, with their talents, and to be able to use this moment to do that. And I think artists in the past have done that,” the commissioner added.
But it’s a hollow plea. He knows Bunny is going to do something.
With Super Bowl LX pitting the New England Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks, the president’s preference sends a clear signal: real Americans are choosing authentic, flag-waving talent over Hollywood-approved acts that often despise America.