Gavin Newsom names Super Bowl Sunday 'Bad Bunny Day' ahead of halftime performance
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA: California Gov Gavin Newsom declared Sunday, FEB 8, “Bad Bunny Day” across the state ahead of the Puerto Rican superstar’s Super Bowl halftime performance in the Bay Area.
The announcement, made days before kickoff, came as political backlash continues over the NFL’s choice of performer.
AS MANY PEOPLE KNOW, I AM A TREMENDOUS LOVER OF “THE SPANISH.” IT IS A BEAUTIFUL LANGUAGE SPOKEN BY MANY BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE IN THE GREAT STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND ACROSS THE WORLD. I AM ALSO A HUGE FAN OF PUERRRRRRRTO RICO. THAT IS WHY I AM DECLARING TOMORROW IN CALIFORNIA AS “BAD…
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) February 7, 2026
Gavin Newsom channels Donald Trump in playful declaration
Newsom’s press office made the announcement on X in a post that mimicked President Donald Trump’s familiar all-caps social media style. The message praised Bad Bunny’s music, appearance, and cultural impact while leaning heavily into satire.
“As many people know, I am a tremendous lover of ‘The Spanish.’ It is a beautiful language spoken by many beautiful people in the great state of California and across the world,” the post read. “I am also a huge fan of Puerrrrrrrto Rico.”
The message went on to formally declare the occasion. “That is what 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 continued with exaggerated praise, adding, “Many people can’t stop talking about him according to my ‘guys’ and ‘gals!’” before leaning further into parody.
Gavin Newsom takes swipe at Fox News host Jesse Watters
The governor’s office also used the post to take a jab at Fox News host Jesse Watters, suggesting the anchor has been closely following the singer’s rise.
The message claimed Watters is “obsessed” with Bad Bunny, adding to the playful tone of the announcement. It wrapped up with an over-the-top sign-off meant to echo Trump’s style even more closely.
“We love Bad Bunny!” the post concluded. “He is nearly as ‘hot’ as me, which is a big compliment, because there is nobody ‘hotter.’ Happy Bad Bunny Day, America. Enjoy. – Governor GCN.”
Declaration comes amid conservative backlash
Newsom’s announcement comes as President Trump and other conservative figures have criticized the NFL for choosing Bad Bunny as the Super Bowl halftime performer. The backlash has centered on the singer’s language, background, and global popularity.
Despite the criticism, the Grammy-winning artist has shown no signs of backing down. Instead, he leaned directly into the controversy during a recent appearance on 'Saturday Night Live'.
During the show, Bad Bunny told Americans they would need to learn Spanish, making it clear he would not be singing in English.
