Casey DeSantis asks ‘Who is Bad Bunny’ amid conservative backlash over Super Bowl halftime pick

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his wife, Casey DeSantis, joined conservatives expressing disapproval over Bad Bunny being chosen for the Super Bowl halftime show next February. Critics cited the Puerto Rican singer’s outspoken stance against  President Donald Trump's administration immigration policies. 

Ron DeSantis reacts to Super Bowl halftime selection

Despite his popularity, Bad Bunny has faced criticism from Republicans since Jay-Z’s Roc Nation selected him for the Super Bowl LX halftime show in February 2026. Some criticized him for singing primarily in Spanish, while others highlighted his previous remarks about Donald Trump.

DeSantis, a former Trump critic representing over 4.3 million Spanish-speaking constituents, did not directly oppose Bad Bunny. Instead, he suggested that his favorite band be considered for a future halftime show.

I’m still hoping that, someday, the NFL will have Metallica headline the halftime show, DeSantis wrote on X.

Casey DeSantis later asked, “Not trying to start anything here, but honestly… who exactly is Bad Bunny?” Unlike her husband, she offered no alternative halftime suggestions.  

Danica Patrick comments on Bad Bunny’s performance

'The Super Bowl is the most highly-watched show on television each year. About 127 million people are expected to watch it. It’s the crown jewel of television and sports, where we come together as a country,” former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick told former White House strategist Steve Bannon on his 'War Room' podcast.

“We enjoy it, have parties, and sing along to the halftime performance. It’s usually versatile across age groups. I don’t have a problem with a non-US performer—though Bad Bunny is technically a US citizen since he was born in Puerto Rico. What matters is that people can sing along, and most of his music is in Spanish. It may not feel as unifying for the audience of 127 million.”

Danica Patrick warns about alternative halftime options

Patrick added that Bad Bunny’s performance could prompt viewers to seek alternative halftime shows.

“It might be tempting even for me to watch something else, since I enjoy singing along to a great performance,” she said. Bad Bunny celebrated his selection, calling it a victory for “my people, my culture, and our history. What I’m feeling goes beyond myself. It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could score a touchdown… this is for my people, my culture, and our history.”