House Speaker Condemns NFL’s Super Bowl Halftime Selection Amid Controversy

By Mark Swanson | Wednesday, 08 October 2025 01:51 PM EDT
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., criticized the NFL’s choice of Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Bad Bunny as the headlining performer at February’s Super Bowl, calling it a “terrible decision.” Johnson suggested instead that a “role model” like country music star Lee Greenwood should have been selected.

Johnson made the remarks Tuesday in response to a reporter’s question. “I didn’t even know who Bad Bunny was, but it sounds like a terrible decision, in my view,” he said, before being asked why. “Well, it sounds like he’s not someone who appeals to a broader audience,” Johnson added. “There are so many eyes on the Super Bowl — a lot of young, impressionable children — and I think, in my view, you would have Lee Greenwood or role models doing that. Not somebody like this.”

The NFL has faced criticism from conservative commentators and MAGA influencers over the halftime selection. Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has drawn repeated controversy for lyrics and videos deemed explicit and politically charged. Songs such as “Safaera” and “Callaíta” feature sexually suggestive content common in reggaetón, while tracks like “El Apagón” and “Pa Ti” targeted Puerto Rican leaders and foreign investors, sparking political backlash.

President Donald Trump also denounced the decision, calling it “absolutely ridiculous.” “I’ve never heard of him,” Trump said on “Greg Kelly Reports.” “I don’t know who he is. I don’t know why they’re doing it. It’s crazy. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem pledged to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers at the Super Bowl, stating, “We’ll be all over that place. We’re going to enforce the law. I think people should not be coming to the Super Bowl unless they are law-abiding Americans who love this country.”

Greenwood’s patriotic song “God Bless the U.S.A.” became a staple at Trump’s campaign rallies during the 2024 election season. The Super Bowl LX will take place Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.