When House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) called the NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny a “terrible decision,” his remarks set off a storm that stretches far beyond football. The controversy over the Super Bowl LX halftime show has become a national debate over patriotism, identity, and what the league represents in 2025.
One viral post read:
“Finally, someone said it! We want patriotism, not profanity. Lee Greenwood’sGod Bless the USA unites America — not Bad Bunny’s garbage.”
Finally, someone said it! We want patriotism, not profanity. Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” unites America — not Bad Bunny’s garbage.
— 𝓜𝓐𝓖𝓐 𝓜𝓐𝓡𝓐 (@MAGA_MARA_) October 13, 2025
Did Mike Johnson Call Bad Bunny the Wrong Choice for the Super Bowl Halftime Show?
House Speaker Mike Johnson Calls Bad Bunny Super Bowl Halftime Show “Terrible Decision” (Screenshot Via X/@PabloReports)
Johnson’s comments, made Tuesday during a press interaction, came as backlash to the NFL’s decision to select Puerto Rican megastar Bad Bunny as the main act for the February 2025 halftime show. He said he didn’t know who the artist was but believed the decision showed poor judgment, suggesting that someone like country icon Lee Greenwood, best known for his anthem“God Bless the USA,” would have been a better fit.
Johnson argued that the Super Bowl draws millions of families and impressionable children, adding that the show should feature artists who reflect American values.
“There are so many eyes on the Super Bowl — a lot of young, impressionable children — and I think, in my view, you would have Lee Greenwood or role models doing that. Not somebody like this,” he said, perThe Hill.
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is one of the world’s most-streamed musicians, with over 100 billion total streams and more than 77 million monthly Spotify listeners. Yet his outspoken views, including criticism of former President Donald Trump and concerns about ICE targeting his fans, have drawn sharp reactions from conservatives. Some, like South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, questioned why a “foreign artist” was selected, even though Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory.
The backlash intensified after a resurfaced Yankees Stadium clip appeared to show Bad Bunny remaining seated during“God Bless America.” Critics seized on the moment as proof that the artist disrespects American traditions, despite the song not being the national anthem.
Meanwhile, Trump-aligned activists have doubled down. Turning Point USA announced an “All-American Halftime Show” to air opposite Bad Bunny’s performance, calling it an act of cultural resistance. Supporters say it’s about “faith, family, and freedom.” Critics view it as reactionary symbolism that deepens the divide between entertainment and politics.
Fans Rally Behind Mike Johnson, Accuse NFL of “Wokeness”
Johnson’s comments struck a chord online. Thousands of posts echoed his message, demanding that the NFL choose artists who honor America. Others accused the league of “living in the shadow of wokeness,” while several called for an outright boycott of the Super Bowl.
One commentread, “Yeah the NFL is still living in the shadow wokeness !!!!!”
Anotherposted, “Boycott the NFL.”
One fanstated, “Mike Johnson is 100% right. The NFL forgot who their real audience is — hard-working Americans who love faith, family, and flag.”
Oneadded, “He is Right!”
What began as a music announcement has spiraled into a reflection of modern America’s cultural divide one where the Super Bowl halftime stage is no longer just about entertainment, but about who defines patriotism itself.