Trump vs. Bad Bunny timeline as the Super Bowl approaches
- - Trump vs. Bad Bunny timeline as the Super Bowl approaches
Rebecca Morin, USA TODAYJanuary 21, 2026 at 12:29 AM
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In October, Trump told Newsmax's Greg Kelly he had "never heard" of Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican megastar who had been announced as the headliner for the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show. "It's absolutely ridiculous," the president said of the pick.
Bad Bunnyâs performance at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California has caused excitement among fans ready to see the first Latin solo artist headline the world's biggest entertainment stage. But it has also caused some backlash among people who weren't familiar with the Spanish speaking artist, as well as the president and his supporters.
As the Feb. 8 Super Bowl approaches, we take a look at how Trump and Bad Bunny have collided politically and culturally:
Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny performs onstage during the first show of his 30-date (which ended up being 31 in total) concert residency at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on July 11, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/tDhLg.0M8dnZPug8KKIZ5A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/76717d343b263ed38a5f736ab8acfe6b class=caas-img data-headline="Bad Bunny will headline Super Bowl 2026. Here's the Puerto Rican star's career in photos." data-caption="
Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny performs onstage during the first show of his 30-date (which ended up being 31 in total) concert residency at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on July 11, 2025.
">Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny performs onstage during the first show of his 30-date (which ended up being 31 in total) concert residency at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on July 11, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/tDhLg.0M8dnZPug8KKIZ5A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/76717d343b263ed38a5f736ab8acfe6b class=caas-img>Bad Bunny thanked his fans for "letting me sing in my home in front of my friends, my family and my people" on what was the final night of his residency in September 2025. "Thank you for that," he said. "I love you, thank you for being a part of this."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/bQiOAvC7ZbzDfYhUkIDIWg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/65d7ea74141d35b3a5d489ba8c4954bb class=caas-img data-headline="Bad Bunny will headline Super Bowl 2026. Here's the Puerto Rican star's career in photos." data-caption="
Bad Bunny thanked his fans for "letting me sing in my home in front of my friends, my family and my people" on what was the final night of his residency in September 2025. "Thank you for that," he said. "I love you, thank you for being a part of this."
">Bad Bunny thanked his fans for "letting me sing in my home in front of my friends, my family and my people" on what was the final night of his residency in September 2025. "Thank you for that," he said. "I love you, thank you for being a part of this."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/bQiOAvC7ZbzDfYhUkIDIWg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/65d7ea74141d35b3a5d489ba8c4954bb class=caas-img>On top of his Puerto Rico residency, Bad Bunny was also juggling life as a Hollywood actor attending the premiere of "Caught Stealing" on Aug. 26, 2025, in New York City.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/QBpoxnS8jhfIqQ60AKGHpg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9d9ec505d789e659d628eeb98a054ac2 class=caas-img data-headline="Bad Bunny will headline Super Bowl 2026. Here's the Puerto Rican star's career in photos." data-caption="
On top of his Puerto Rico residency, Bad Bunny was also juggling life as a Hollywood actor attending the premiere of "Caught Stealing" on Aug. 26, 2025, in New York City.
">On top of his Puerto Rico residency, Bad Bunny was also juggling life as a Hollywood actor attending the premiere of "Caught Stealing" on Aug. 26, 2025, in New York City.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/QBpoxnS8jhfIqQ60AKGHpg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9d9ec505d789e659d628eeb98a054ac2 class=caas-img>Bad Bunny starred alongside Austin Butler in the movie.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/HFyA399MqNVKsenLKEbr4w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05OTY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8da9b9f71402f866dfa2eb19a8d69b1d class=caas-img data-headline="Bad Bunny will headline Super Bowl 2026. Here's the Puerto Rican star's career in photos." data-caption="
Bad Bunny starred alongside Austin Butler in the movie.
">Bad Bunny starred alongside Austin Butler in the movie.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/HFyA399MqNVKsenLKEbr4w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05OTY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8da9b9f71402f866dfa2eb19a8d69b1d class=caas-img>Earlier in summer 2025, Bad Bunny was spotted at Netflix's "Happy Gilmore 2" premiere on July 21, 2025, in New York City, which he starred alongside Adam Sandler.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/d0AUzGkQ9F4ecrcd9JxlaA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzM5/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f52abdee05db4d858a622db10752ed89 class=caas-img data-headline="Bad Bunny will headline Super Bowl 2026. Here's the Puerto Rican star's career in photos." data-caption="
Earlier in summer 2025, Bad Bunny was spotted at Netflix's "Happy Gilmore 2" premiere on July 21, 2025, in New York City, which he starred alongside Adam Sandler.
">Earlier in summer 2025, Bad Bunny was spotted at Netflix's "Happy Gilmore 2" premiere on July 21, 2025, in New York City, which he starred alongside Adam Sandler.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/d0AUzGkQ9F4ecrcd9JxlaA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzM5/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f52abdee05db4d858a622db10752ed89 class=caas-img>Bad Bunny at the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2025. Bad Bunny gave a playful Puerto Rican twist to the Black dandy theme with a crisp espresso brown suit. He paired the custom-made Prada ensemble with a brimmed hat resembling a pava, a traditional straw hat made from leaves of the Puerto Rican hat palm.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/V9yHm2o4WhTk_jeoWw5wgA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MDI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a00caa69202624e5a22ab3ff253cfaa8 class=caas-img data-headline="Bad Bunny will headline Super Bowl 2026. Here's the Puerto Rican star's career in photos." data-caption="
Bad Bunny at the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2025. Bad Bunny gave a playful Puerto Rican twist to the Black dandy theme with a crisp espresso brown suit. He paired the custom-made Prada ensemble with a brimmed hat resembling a pava, a traditional straw hat made from leaves of the Puerto Rican hat palm.
">Bad Bunny at the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2025. Bad Bunny gave a playful Puerto Rican twist to the Black dandy theme with a crisp espresso brown suit. He paired the custom-made Prada ensemble with a brimmed hat resembling a pava, a traditional straw hat made from leaves of the Puerto Rican hat palm.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/V9yHm2o4WhTk_jeoWw5wgA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MDI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a00caa69202624e5a22ab3ff253cfaa8 class=caas-img>Bad Bunny onstage at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 17, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/tl_qsnezNaIsCS1G5CSkWQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f65d10681dfe812647caafa81c86549f class=caas-img data-headline="Bad Bunny will headline Super Bowl 2026. Here's the Puerto Rican star's career in photos." data-caption="
Bad Bunny onstage at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 17, 2025.
">Bad Bunny onstage at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 17, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/tl_qsnezNaIsCS1G5CSkWQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f65d10681dfe812647caafa81c86549f class=caas-img>Bad Bunny onstage at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 17, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/JCpOEVdRYSCAB2U4HwBdHg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9132a3036c07dd075ef89ab6a655868d class=caas-img data-headline="Bad Bunny will headline Super Bowl 2026. Here's the Puerto Rican star's career in photos." data-caption="
Bad Bunny onstage at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 17, 2025.
">Bad Bunny onstage at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 17, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/JCpOEVdRYSCAB2U4HwBdHg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9132a3036c07dd075ef89ab6a655868d class=caas-img>Bad Bunny onstage at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 17, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rqFOFp2j.omlQlg.Kz1EIA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xOTA3/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d1deb088570bc358a4542dd8ad0b2839 class=caas-img data-headline="Bad Bunny will headline Super Bowl 2026. Here's the Puerto Rican star's career in photos." data-caption="
Bad Bunny onstage at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 17, 2025.
">Bad Bunny onstage at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 17, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rqFOFp2j.omlQlg.Kz1EIA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xOTA3/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d1deb088570bc358a4542dd8ad0b2839 class=caas-img>In February 2025, Bad Bunny attended "SNL50: The Anniversary Special" in New York City.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/VXuic_ERWfKaWDfA42JiEw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a37dbfa73ebc472f26549a660eaa1ddb class=caas-img data-headline="Bad Bunny will headline Super Bowl 2026. Here's the Puerto Rican star's career in photos." data-caption="
In February 2025, Bad Bunny attended "SNL50: The Anniversary Special" in New York City.
">In February 2025, Bad Bunny attended "SNL50: The Anniversary Special" in New York City.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/VXuic_ERWfKaWDfA42JiEw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a37dbfa73ebc472f26549a660eaa1ddb class=caas-img>Bad Bunny performs during his Most Wanted Tour at the Kaseya Center in Miami on May 24, 2024.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Hmmvzg5593rLkPIvDRZDFg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/57e6a2a4d73e3370873fbf47a7199d74 class=caas-img data-headline="Bad Bunny will headline Super Bowl 2026. Here's the Puerto Rican star's career in photos." data-caption="
Bad Bunny performs during his Most Wanted Tour at the Kaseya Center in Miami on May 24, 2024.
">Bad Bunny performs during his Most Wanted Tour at the Kaseya Center in Miami on May 24, 2024.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Hmmvzg5593rLkPIvDRZDFg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/57e6a2a4d73e3370873fbf47a7199d74 class=caas-img>Bad Bunny attends the Dior Homme Menswear spring/summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 21, 2024.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/quBlE5yX.nb19dRQ0m4EgA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/99705d6238442d1535ef1af8b0c39ac4 class=caas-img data-headline="Bad Bunny will headline Super Bowl 2026. Here's the Puerto Rican star's career in photos." data-caption="
Bad Bunny attends the Dior Homme Menswear spring/summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 21, 2024.
">Bad Bunny attends the Dior Homme Menswear spring/summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 21, 2024.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/quBlE5yX.nb19dRQ0m4EgA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/99705d6238442d1535ef1af8b0c39ac4 class=caas-img>Bad Bunny performs at the Crypto.com Arena during his Most Wanted tour in Los Angeles, March 13, 2024.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/sR0oNx1MYFQWdGIkeD4orw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f87bf93977491637713189b4b847669c class=caas-img data-headline="Bad Bunny will headline Super Bowl 2026. Here's the Puerto Rican star's career in photos." data-caption="
Bad Bunny performs at the Crypto.com Arena during his Most Wanted tour in Los Angeles, March 13, 2024.
">Bad Bunny performs at the Crypto.com Arena during his Most Wanted tour in Los Angeles, March 13, 2024.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/sR0oNx1MYFQWdGIkeD4orw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f87bf93977491637713189b4b847669c class=caas-img>
Cardi B, Chencho Corleone, Ivy Queen and reggaeton duo Jowell y Randy." style=padding-bottom:56%> Cardi B, Chencho Corleone, Ivy Queen and reggaeton duo Jowell y Randy." data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/WdYPWlIHWADBWD2p71I1_A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzA1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4fe510e805fe87f856f5864890b5eea9 class=caas-img data-headline="Bad Bunny will headline Super Bowl 2026. Here's the Puerto Rican star's career in photos." data-caption="Bad Bunny concluded the U.S. leg of his "World's Hottest Tour" at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, with back-to-back shows on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 2022. The concerts featured musical guests Arcångel, Bomba Estéreo, Cardi B, Chencho Corleone, Ivy Queen and reggaeton duo Jowell y Randy."> Cardi B, Chencho Corleone, Ivy Queen and reggaeton duo Jowell y Randy." src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/WdYPWlIHWADBWD2p71I1_A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzA1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4fe510e805fe87f856f5864890b5eea9 class=caas-img>
declaring Oct. 1 as the official Bad Bunny Day. " style=padding-bottom:56%>declaring Oct. 1 as the official Bad Bunny Day. " data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ursKPRAXRPG5Rh8Uc1IIOg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03NTE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/caf137fa0e7bf07b30761dbf1639eda0 class=caas-img data-headline="Bad Bunny will headline Super Bowl 2026. Here's the Puerto Rican star's career in photos." data-caption="Bad Bunny closed out Los Angeles on a historic note. The City of Los Angeles honored the megastar for his "immense cultural impact to the Latino community across the City of L.A." by declaring Oct. 1 as the official Bad Bunny Day. ">declaring Oct. 1 as the official Bad Bunny Day. " src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ursKPRAXRPG5Rh8Uc1IIOg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03NTE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/caf137fa0e7bf07b30761dbf1639eda0 class=caas-img>
two new wax figures at Orlando and New York's Madame Tussauds on April 19, 2022. The figure at Madame Tussauds New York is wearing the iconic all-silver look from the Grammy-winner's 2020 Super Bowl performance alongside Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and J Balvin, complete with the same silver jacket he wore. The wax figure in Orlando is wearing an outfit originally from his WWE Royal Rumble performance and is featured in his "Booker T" music video. For the figure, Bad Bunny donated his trenchcoat, vest, trousers, and pants. " style=padding-bottom:56%>two new wax figures at Orlando and New York's Madame Tussauds on April 19, 2022. The figure at Madame Tussauds New York is wearing the iconic all-silver look from the Grammy-winner's 2020 Super Bowl performance alongside Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and J Balvin, complete with the same silver jacket he wore. The wax figure in Orlando is wearing an outfit originally from his WWE Royal Rumble performance and is featured in his "Booker T" music video. For the figure, Bad Bunny donated his trenchcoat, vest, trousers, and pants. " data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/iHDXkC7Hl07yPZUQsrxs.w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6e180ce99315cb7b8a5c989a3c6f9bee class=caas-img data-headline="See the most stunning celebrity wax figures, from Zendaya to Beyoncé" data-caption="The Puerto Rican superstar revealed two new wax figures at Orlando and New York's Madame Tussauds on April 19, 2022. The figure at Madame Tussauds New York is wearing the iconic all-silver look from the Grammy-winner's 2020 Super Bowl performance alongside Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and J Balvin, complete with the same silver jacket he wore. The wax figure in Orlando is wearing an outfit originally from his WWE Royal Rumble performance and is featured in his "Booker T" music video. For the figure, Bad Bunny donated his trenchcoat, vest, trousers, and pants. ">two new wax figures at Orlando and New York's Madame Tussauds on April 19, 2022. The figure at Madame Tussauds New York is wearing the iconic all-silver look from the Grammy-winner's 2020 Super Bowl performance alongside Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and J Balvin, complete with the same silver jacket he wore. The wax figure in Orlando is wearing an outfit originally from his WWE Royal Rumble performance and is featured in his "Booker T" music video. For the figure, Bad Bunny donated his trenchcoat, vest, trousers, and pants. " src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/iHDXkC7Hl07yPZUQsrxs.w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6e180ce99315cb7b8a5c989a3c6f9bee class=caas-img>Bad Bunny is set to portray the title role in "El Muerto," making history as Marvel's first Latino lead in a live-action film. He calls the film the "perfect role" for him.
Before suiting up as the super-powered wrestler, the Puerto Rican rapper will make his big-screen acting debut in the neon-drenched "Bullet Train" (in theaters July 29), doing battle with Brad Pitt. " style=padding-bottom:56%>Bad Bunny is set to portray the title role in "El Muerto," making history as Marvel's first Latino lead in a live-action film. He calls the film the "perfect role" for him.
Before suiting up as the super-powered wrestler, the Puerto Rican rapper will make his big-screen acting debut in the neon-drenched "Bullet Train" (in theaters July 29), doing battle with Brad Pitt. " data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ANk_hU6AEBb2EyQnB9Xa9Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7cc23cc8e750eef3c9fde57aa02f26ef class=caas-img data-headline="Bad Bunny will headline Super Bowl 2026. Here's the Puerto Rican star's career in photos." data-caption="Sony Pictures announced during April 2022's CinemaCon that Bad Bunny is set to portray the title role in "El Muerto," making history as Marvel's first Latino lead in a live-action film. He calls the film the "perfect role" for him.
Before suiting up as the super-powered wrestler, the Puerto Rican rapper will make his big-screen acting debut in the neon-drenched "Bullet Train" (in theaters July 29), doing battle with Brad Pitt. ">Bad Bunny is set to portray the title role in "El Muerto," making history as Marvel's first Latino lead in a live-action film. He calls the film the "perfect role" for him.
Before suiting up as the super-powered wrestler, the Puerto Rican rapper will make his big-screen acting debut in the neon-drenched "Bullet Train" (in theaters July 29), doing battle with Brad Pitt. " src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ANk_hU6AEBb2EyQnB9Xa9Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7cc23cc8e750eef3c9fde57aa02f26ef class=caas-img>range. Bad Bunny made his debut as a professional wrestler in April 2021 at WWE's WrestleMania 37. In this photo, taken Jan. 29, 2022, Bad Bunny jumped into the ring again during the Royal Rumble match at The Dome at America's Center. " style=padding-bottom:56%>range. Bad Bunny made his debut as a professional wrestler in April 2021 at WWE's WrestleMania 37. In this photo, taken Jan. 29, 2022, Bad Bunny jumped into the ring again during the Royal Rumble match at The Dome at America's Center. " data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RjT.n7cBWLMqEbGu5ttnSA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1a2167070c82c49c5fa74e3f8f4da775 class=caas-img data-headline="Bad Bunny will headline Super Bowl 2026. Here's the Puerto Rican star's career in photos." data-caption="He's got range. Bad Bunny made his debut as a professional wrestler in April 2021 at WWE's WrestleMania 37. In this photo, taken Jan. 29, 2022, Bad Bunny jumped into the ring again during the Royal Rumble match at The Dome at America's Center. ">range. Bad Bunny made his debut as a professional wrestler in April 2021 at WWE's WrestleMania 37. In this photo, taken Jan. 29, 2022, Bad Bunny jumped into the ring again during the Royal Rumble match at The Dome at America's Center. " src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RjT.n7cBWLMqEbGu5ttnSA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1a2167070c82c49c5fa74e3f8f4da775 class=caas-img>
22nd Latin Grammy Awards. That night he took home the award for best rap/hip hop song for "Booker T" and best urban music album for "El Ăltimo Tour del Mundo." " style=padding-bottom:56%>22nd Latin Grammy Awards. That night he took home the award for best rap/hip hop song for "Booker T" and best urban music album for "El Ăltimo Tour del Mundo." " data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/TREOvdSaTpP11MiuE9z91A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05ODE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6d09de02f369b257809af949bd6d38be class=caas-img data-headline="Bad Bunny will headline Super Bowl 2026. Here's the Puerto Rican star's career in photos." data-caption="Days prior, Bad Bunny hit the stage at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 18, 2021, to perform during the 22nd Latin Grammy Awards. That night he took home the award for best rap/hip hop song for "Booker T" and best urban music album for "El Ăltimo Tour del Mundo." ">22nd Latin Grammy Awards. That night he took home the award for best rap/hip hop song for "Booker T" and best urban music album for "El Ăltimo Tour del Mundo." " src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/TREOvdSaTpP11MiuE9z91A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05ODE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6d09de02f369b257809af949bd6d38be class=caas-img>
History in the making. In June 2020, Bad Bunny became the first Latin urban musician to pose for the cover of Rolling Stone (his then-girlfriend, Gabriela Berlingeri, became the first Latina to shoot a Rolling Stone cover photo and Latin music editor Suzy Exposito was the first Latina to write a cover story for the magazine)." style=padding-bottom:56%>History in the making. In June 2020, Bad Bunny became the first Latin urban musician to pose for the cover of Rolling Stone (his then-girlfriend, Gabriela Berlingeri, became the first Latina to shoot a Rolling Stone cover photo and Latin music editor Suzy Exposito was the first Latina to write a cover story for the magazine)." data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3Ag8wTc66gd2gkXX8URATg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTA2/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cc8148273625b65ed27878fbab53003a class=caas-img data-headline="Bad Bunny will headline Super Bowl 2026. Here's the Puerto Rican star's career in photos." data-caption="History in the making. In June 2020, Bad Bunny became the first Latin urban musician to pose for the cover of Rolling Stone (his then-girlfriend, Gabriela Berlingeri, became the first Latina to shoot a Rolling Stone cover photo and Latin music editor Suzy Exposito was the first Latina to write a cover story for the magazine).">History in the making. In June 2020, Bad Bunny became the first Latin urban musician to pose for the cover of Rolling Stone (his then-girlfriend, Gabriela Berlingeri, became the first Latina to shoot a Rolling Stone cover photo and Latin music editor Suzy Exposito was the first Latina to write a cover story for the magazine)." src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3Ag8wTc66gd2gkXX8URATg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTA2/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cc8148273625b65ed27878fbab53003a class=caas-img>
1 / 69Bad Bunny will headline Super Bowl 2026. Here's the Puerto Rican star's career in photos.
Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny performs onstage during the first show of his 30-date (which ended up being 31 in total) concert residency at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on July 11, 2025.
Bad Bunny vs. Trumpâs immigration policy
Trumpâs administration has enacted widespread immigration raids and rollbacks to immigrant protections. Bad Bunny hasnât been silent about it.
Bad Bunny did not schedule any U.S. appearances for his latest world tour, which includes stops across Latin America, Australia, Europe and Japan. Ahead of the tour, he held a residency in Puerto Rico from July 11 to Sept. 14 that brought thousands of fans from across the world to the island.
In an interview published Sept. 10, Bad Bunny said Immigration and Customs Enforcement crackdowns were part of the reason he opted not to bring his tour to the U.S.
"There were many reasons why I didn't show up in the U.S., and none of them were out of hate," he told I-D magazine. "But there was the issue ofâlike, (expletive) ICE could be outside (my concert). And it's something that we were talking about and very concerned about."
Bad Bunny performs live during his "No Me Quiero Ir de AquiÌ" residency in in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Sept. 20, 2025.'NUEVAYoL' music video takes apparent swipe at Trump
Bad Bunny made a pointed statement about Trumpâs anti-immigration policies in the music video for his song "NUEVAYoL," which he released on the Fourth of July. After showing a Puerto Rican flag hanging over the forehead of the Statue of Liberty, a voice that sounds like Trump's plays from a radio and says:
"I made a mistake. I want to apologize to the immigrants in America," the voice says. "I want to say that this country is nothing without the immigrants. This country is nothing without Mexicans, Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, Colombians, Venezuelans, Cubans âŠ"
Despite his criticisms about how immigrants and Puerto Ricans (who are American citizens) are treated in the "NUEVAYoL" music video, Bad Bunny has said his Super Bowl performance will focus on promoting unity.
In the official trailer for his upcoming halftime show, Bad Bunnyâs song, âBAILE INoLVIDABLEâ â or âunforgettable danceâ â is playing as he dances with performers of various ages and from diverse backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities.
âThe world will dance,â the trailer concludes.
MAGA allies criticize Super Bowl halftime choice
Since Bad Bunny was announced as the headliner of the Super Bowl, some of Trumpâs allies have criticized the NFLâs choice.
Corey Lewandowski, Trumpâs former campaign manager and a current adviser at the Department of Homeland Security, in October suggested that ICE agents may be at next year's Super Bowl.
"There is nowhere you can provide safe haven to people who are in this country illegally," Lewandowski said on conservative YouTuber Benny Johnson's podcast. "Not the Super Bowl and nowhere else."
Then days later, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also on Johnson's podcast said the administration would be sending immigration officials to Levi's Stadium and called the NFL "so weak" for their choice of performer.
"I have the responsibility to make sure everybody who goes to the Super Bowl has the opportunity to enjoy it and to leave safely. That's what Americaâs about," Noem said in October. "We'll be all over that place."
Bad Bunny arrives for the Saturday Night Live 50: The Anniversary Special at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City, U.S., February 16, 2025. REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs
Bad Bunny responded to Noem and the backlash he was getting last October during an appearance on Saturday Night Live, where he said everyone was happy that he would be headling the halftime show, âeven Fox News.â
The sketch show then cut to a montage of Fox news contributors that had been edited to make it sound as if they were praising him and saying, "Bad Bunny is my favorite musician, and he should be the next president."
It's not only the Trump administration that has been critical of Bad Bunny.
Turning Point USA, the conservative organization founded by the late Charlie Kirk, announced in October it would host an alternative halftime show. The organization has yet to announce the lineup with less than a month until the Super Bowl.
A Change.org petition to replace Bad Bunny with George Strait, a musician who "embodies the heart and soul of American music," has garnered over 120,000 signatures.
Bad Bunny supported Kamala Harris after 'Kill Tony' controversy
Bad Bunny backed former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
The move came after a comedian performing at one of Trumpâs closing campaign rallies derided Puerto Rico as a âfloating island of garbage.â The remark from comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who goes by the stage name Kill Tony, caused widespread backlash. The Trump campaign at the time released a statement saying the remarks did not reflect the then-Republican candidateâs views.
Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe addresses a campaign rally for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Oct. 27, 2024.
After Hinchcliffeâs comments went viral, Bad Bunny shared a video of Harris criticizing Trumpâs actions against Puerto Rico when he was president. On his Instagram Story, Bad Bunny shared a post from Harrisâ Instagram account that outlines her agenda for the island.
He then shared a clip of Harrisâ post that said: âI will never forget what Donald Trump did â and what he did not do â when Puerto Rico needed a caring and a competent leader. He abandoned the island, tried to block aid after back to back devastating hurricanes, and offered nothing more than paper towels and insults.â
Bad Bunny critical of Trump's hurricane response in Puerto Rico
During Trump's first presidency, two back-to-back hurricanes, including Hurricane Maria, ravaged Puerto Rico in 2017. Around 3,000 people died and thousands more were displaced.
Bad Bunny at the time criticized the Trump administration's response and lack of aid to the island following Hurricane Maria. An image also went viral of Trump tossing paper towel rolls into crowds when he visited following the devastation.
U.S. President Donald Trump tosses rolls of paper towels to people at a hurricane relief distribution center at Calvary Chapel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, October 3, 2017. \
During a benefit concert for hurricane relief across Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the Caribbean in 2017, Bad Bunny wrote a shirt that seemed to be directed at Trump: "ÂżEres Twitero o Presidente?"
Or in English: "Are You a Tweeter or President?"
Contributing: Kinsey Crowley, Pamela Avila, Taijuan Moorman, Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump vs. Bad Bunny: A history of their beef
Source: âAOL Entertainmentâ
