California Governor Gavin Newsom’s declaration of Febuary 8th as “Bad Bunny Day” ahead of teh artist’s Super Bowl L halftime performance has ignited a political and cultural firestorm. The unprecedented move, the first of its kind for a Super Bowl performer, comes as Bad Bunny prepares to deliver the first-ever all-Spanish-language halftime show, and follows direct criticism from former President Donald Trump [[1]]. The event is also unfolding against a backdrop of concerns regarding potential harassment of Bad Bunny’s fanbase by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared February 8th “Bad Bunny Day” ahead of the superstar’s historic Super Bowl L halftime performance, a move widely seen as a pointed response to criticism from Donald Trump and concerns surrounding potential ICE intervention. The gesture comes as Bad Bunny prepares to deliver the first-ever all-Spanish-language Super Bowl halftime show in Santa Clara on Sunday.
Newsom’s proclamation wasn’t just celebratory; it included a playful jab at Kid Rock, whose own conservative-leaning alternative halftime show is planned for the big game, and a dig at the rapper’s recent career struggles. The governor also took aim at Trump, mimicking the former president’s often bombastic style in a post on his press office feed.
“I am declaring tomorrow in California as ‘Bad Bunny Day’ when Bad Bunny performs at the big game in the Golden State with his soothing, beautiful voice, and his very nice looks,” the post read. Newsom has frequently used pointed rhetoric aimed at Trump, particularly as speculation mounts about a potential run for the White House in 2028.
The support for Bad Bunny comes amid concerns for the safety of his fanbase. The Puerto Rican-born artist, a vocal advocate for immigration rights, has indicated that this Super Bowl performance may be his only U.S. show this year, citing fears of harassment, abduction, or deportation by Department of Homeland Security. Bad Bunny recently made a powerful statement on the issue at the Grammys, saying, “‘ICE out! …We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens, we are humans, and we are Americans.”
Trump, who won’t be attending the game despite his friendship with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, previously dismissed Bad Bunny’s selection as “ridiculous.” He plans to watch the Seattle Seahawks versus Patriots matchup on television. Newsom, however, intends to be among the 68,000+ fans at the San Francisco 49ers’ home stadium. The Super Bowl is a major cultural event, and this year’s halftime show is generating significant buzz due to its historical and political implications.
Bad Bunny, fresh off winning a Grammy for Album of the Year, has promised a vibrant and culturally rich performance. “I really want people to have fun. It’s gonna be a huge party. I want to bring what people can expect from me, and a lot from my culture,” he said earlier this week.
Newsom further amplified his support with a tongue-in-cheek comparison to himself, writing, “We love Bad Bunny! He is nearly as ‘hot’ as me, which is a big compliment, because there is nobody “hotter.” Happy Bad Bunny Day, America.”
Even Apple CEO Tim Cook weighed in, publicly praising Bad Bunny on social media. This support is notable given Cook’s past efforts to cultivate a relationship with Trump. Apple Music is the official sponsor of the Super Bowl halftime show, a partnership facilitated by Jay-Z’s Roc Nation and the NFL. The league has been actively seeking to broaden its appeal to Latino audiences, which likely influenced the decision to feature Bad Bunny.
The selection of Bad Bunny has also sparked a backlash, leading to a competing “All-American Halftime Show” organized by Turning Point USA. The alternative event, featuring Kid Rock, will be streamed on various platforms. Newsom didn’t miss the opportunity to criticize Rock, mockingly “banning” him from California in a social media post.
However, Kid Rock’s “Rock the Country” festival has faced recent setbacks, with multiple acts pulling out due to political concerns, casting doubt on the future of the tour.
Super Bowl LX is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT on February 8th, preceding the Winter Olympics in Italy. The game will be broadcast live on NBC and streamed on Peacock, with a Spanish-language broadcast available on Telemundo and Universo.
