Conservative commentator Pete Hegseth erupted in outrage over the NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny for the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, calling it a politicized move that attacks American values, sparking a heated national debate over the blending of sports, culture, and politics.

In a bold and highly charged statement that is sparking national outrage, Fox News personality Pete Hegseth has launched a scathing attack on the NFL for its choice of reggaeton sensation Bad Bunny as the headliner for the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show.

Calling the Puerto Rican superstar the “Spanish-singing puppet of the Left,” Hegseth’s condemnation has ignited a storm of controversy, drawing sharp divides across the political and cultural landscape.

His comments—made on Fox & Friends, where he is a regular host—are fueling a growing backlash from conservative commentators and football fans who believe the NFL is pushing a political agenda at the expense of traditional American values and the spirit of the Super Bowl.

The Super Bowl, long heralded as the pinnacle of American sporting culture, has also evolved into a major entertainment spectacle.

The halftime show, which has featured high-profile acts such as Beyoncé, Shakira, Prince, and The Weeknd, is watched by millions of fans worldwide, making it a prime platform for artists to showcase their talents.

But the decision to include Bad Bunny, a global music icon who has openly embraced political activism and progressive causes, has been met with alarm from Hegseth and other critics.

For many, the Super Bowl is sacred—a time when all focus should be on the game, not political statements.

Hegseth, known for his strong conservative viewpoints, did not mince words when addressing the controversy.

“This isn’t about football anymore,” he said, speaking passionately about what he perceives as a disturbing trend in American culture.

“The NFL has decided to use the biggest stage in sports to push a left-wing agenda.

Bad Bunny isn’t just a singer; he’s a political activist who has used his fame to promote divisive causes.

When you bring someone like him into the Super Bowl, you’re telling Americans that football, once a unifying force, is now a platform for political warfare.

They’ve declared war on America’s values.”

Hegseth’s criticism highlights a larger concern among some conservatives who believe that the NFL has veered too far from its roots.

“Football is a sport that brings us together.

We set aside our political differences for one day to celebrate the game,” Hegseth continued.

“But now, we have a halftime show that seems designed to alienate half of the country.

Bad Bunny is not someone who represents the heart of America; he’s a symbol of everything that’s tearing us apart.

His political views are extreme, and by giving him such a massive platform, the NFL is endorsing those views.”

Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has become one of the most influential and boundary-pushing artists in the music industry.

His genre-defying sound, which blends reggaeton, Latin pop, trap, and even rock elements, has earned him legions of fans across the globe.

But it’s not just his music that’s gained attention.

Bad Bunny has become an outspoken advocate for progressive causes, frequently using his platform to speak out on issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and the independence of Puerto Rico from the United States.

He has even used his social media accounts to take aim at politicians and public figures he deems unworthy of the public’s trust.

For many of his fans, these stances are a key part of what makes Bad Bunny so powerful—he is seen as a voice for the voiceless, someone who uses his fame to challenge the status quo.

But for others, his activism makes him a polarizing figure, especially in the current political climate.

His decision to support causes like Puerto Rican independence and his criticism of American foreign policy have raised the hackles of conservatives, who feel that such issues should have no place in mainstream entertainment.

Hegseth’s comments have resonated with many fans, who feel that the NFL is overstepping its bounds by embracing what they see as a politically charged agenda.

“The Super Bowl is supposed to be about football, not politics,” one NFL fan wrote on Twitter.

“I love Bad Bunny’s music, but I don’t want to watch him preach to me about politics during the halftime show.

This is getting out of hand.

” Others have echoed these sentiments, with some calling for a boycott of the event altogether, citing the growing trend of incorporating political messages into sports entertainment.

However, there is a vocal contingent of fans and critics who argue that Bad Bunny’s inclusion is a positive step for the NFL, which has increasingly sought to diversify its programming and reflect the changing demographics of its audience.

With Latin music growing in popularity worldwide and Bad Bunny’s massive international fanbase, many see the artist as a perfect fit for the halftime show.

“Bad Bunny is a cultural icon, and his influence spans far beyond just music,” said music journalist Ana Rodríguez.

“He represents a new wave of Latinx empowerment in the entertainment industry, and it’s great to see the NFL acknowledging that by featuring him on such a huge stage.”

The NFL, for its part, has defended its decision, stating that the halftime show is meant to be an inclusive celebration of all forms of entertainment and culture.

“We are proud to showcase a diverse array of artists and performers who reflect the diverse world we live in,” the league said in a statement.

“Bad Bunny’s music and activism have inspired millions around the world, and we are excited to bring his unique perspective to the Super Bowl stage.”

Despite the NFL’s defense, the controversy over Bad Bunny’s performance is unlikely to subside anytime soon.

As the Super Bowl draws nearer, the cultural and political implications of this decision will continue to be debated.

Whether this will mark a turning point in how sports and entertainment intersect with politics remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the 2026 Super Bowl will be remembered for more than just the game itself.

It will be remembered as a battleground in the ongoing culture wars that are increasingly shaping every aspect of American life.