In a move that’s sure to spark heated debates, Donald Trump has finally weighed in on the NFL’s decision to book Bad Bunny for the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show, but his reaction might not be what you’d expect. While many anticipated a fiery response to the league’s choice of a performer known for his outspoken opposition to ICE and other stances at odds with Trump’s views, the former president seemed more preoccupied with something entirely different—the NFL’s new kick-off rule. And this is the part most people miss: Trump’s brief dismissal of Bad Bunny as “absolutely ridiculous” was quickly overshadowed by his passionate critique of the rule change, which he believes “demeans football.”
During a Monday night interview with Newsmax host Greg Kelly, Trump was asked whether the NFL’s booking of Bad Bunny warranted a boycott. His response? “I never heard of him. I don’t know who he is. I don’t know why they’re doing it. It’s crazy.” But here’s where it gets controversial: instead of doubling down on the cultural or political implications of the choice, Trump pivoted to what clearly irked him more—the kick-off rule. “It looks ridiculous,” he said, describing the awkward spectacle of players standing around as the ball floats through the air. “It’s not safer, and it makes the game look terrible. Football is a great sport, but this rule change just doesn’t make sense.”
Is Trump dodging the real issue, or is he simply more concerned with the integrity of the game than its halftime entertainment? While his comments about Bad Bunny were fleeting, his critique of the NFL’s rule changes raises an interesting question: Are we focusing too much on off-field controversies and not enough on what’s happening on the field? For beginners, it’s worth noting that Bad Bunny, a global music sensation, has been a vocal critic of immigration policies like those enforced by ICE, which aligns him with progressive causes but puts him at odds with conservative figures like Trump. Meanwhile, the NFL’s rule changes, like the new kick-off format, have been marketed as safety improvements but have faced backlash from fans and former players who argue they alter the game’s essence.
Trump’s reaction, though seemingly off-topic, highlights a broader tension in sports today: How much should politics and cultural divides influence our enjoyment of the game? And while his dismissal of Bad Bunny might seem dismissive, it’s clear his heart lies in preserving what he sees as the traditional spirit of football. But here’s the question for you: Is Trump right to prioritize rule changes over performer choices, or is he missing the bigger picture? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
