In a bold move, California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared 'Bad Bunny Day' for Super Bowl Sunday, in a playful response to the threats of ICE agents and the potential channel-switching by MAGA loyalists, including Kid Rock, during the all-Spanish-language performance. Newsom's tongue-in-cheek declaration comes in the form of a press office post, echoing the self-aggrandizing style of the President, and is a subtle dig at Trump's potential 2028 White House bid. The Grammy winner, Bad Bunny, has also expressed his concerns about potential harassment and deportation by DHS, and has stated that the Super Bowl LX gig is likely his only show of the year in the domestic U.S. This is in stark contrast to Trump's decision not to attend the Super Bowl, despite his friendship with Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Newsom plans to be among the 68,000 fans in the stadium, and has praised Bunny, a 'tremendous lover of the Spanish' and 'huge fan of Puerto Rico'. The NFL, under the leadership of Roger Goodell, has also backed Bunny for the 2026 show, despite the MAGA backlash. However, a competing 'All-American Halftime Show' from Turning Point USA, led by Charlie Kirk, is also scheduled to take place at the same time, adding to the controversy. The Super Bowl LX, which will be broadcast on NBC, starts at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT, after several hours of pregame festivities.
