White House Press Secretary Karine Leavitt has arrived in San Francisco in preparation for Super Bowl LX, just days after publicly criticizing the event's headline halftime performer, Bad Bunny. The 28-year-old Leavitt, who holds the distinction of being the youngest White House press secretary in history, shared a mirror selfie on social media showcasing her baby bump. She wore a burgundy ribbed-knit midi dress with bead-embellished trim from the designer brand Self-Portrait, which retails for approximately $650.
Political Backlash Against Bad Bunny's Performance
The National Football League's decision to select Bad Bunny as the main performer for the Super Bowl LX halftime show at Levi's Stadium has ignited significant controversy, particularly among conservative circles. Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been vocally critical of the Trump administration, especially regarding its immigration policies. The Puerto Rican artist has previously stated that he avoided touring in the United States to protect his fans from potential encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
During his acceptance speech for Best Album of the Year at this year's Grammy Awards, where he became the first artist to win the category with a Spanish-language album, Bad Bunny explicitly called out ICE. This action has further fueled the political divide surrounding his Super Bowl appearance.
Donald Trump's Alternative Plans
Former President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will not attend the Super Bowl game on Sunday. Instead, he will host a watch party at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. When questioned on Thursday about whether Trump's event would tune into Bad Bunny's halftime performance or an alternative show, Press Secretary Leavitt responded decisively.
'I think the president would much prefer a Kid Rock performance over Bad Bunny. I must say that,' Leavitt stated. She also reiterated her criticism of Bad Bunny's Grammy speech earlier in the week. Trump had previously cited the distance to Santa Clara, California, as his reason for not attending, telling the New York Post last month, 'I would go if, you know, it was a little bit shorter.'
Turning Point USA's Rival Halftime Show
In direct protest of Bad Bunny's halftime performance, Turning Point USA, the conservative organization founded by Charlie Kirk, has organized an alternative broadcast titled The All-American Halftime Show. This event will be headlined by Kid Rock and is scheduled to air around 8 p.m., directly competing with Bad Bunny's segment.
The TPUSA show will also feature performances by country artists Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett. In a statement released on Monday, Kid Rock framed the competition dramatically, saying, 'We're approaching this show like David and Goliath. Competing with the pro football machine and a global pop superstar is almost impossible… or is it?'
Andrew Kolvet, a spokesman for Turning Point USA, told Fox News, 'The All-American Halftime Show is an opportunity for all Americans to enjoy a halftime show with no agenda other than to celebrate faith, family, and freedom. We can't wait to watch the incredible show they're about to put on. We know millions around the country will be watching too.'
Bad Bunny's Personal Reflections and Anticipation
Meanwhile, Bad Bunny has admitted to experiencing significant pre-performance anxiety leading up to the Super Bowl. During a press conference in San Francisco about the highly anticipated show, the 31-year-old star teased special guests and emphasized his intention to pay tribute to his cultural roots.
'I've been working on this show, what we're gonna do next Sunday, it's a lot,' Bad Bunny confessed. 'Thinking about the Super Bowl at 4 a.m., that's what I've been doing. It's been hard to not. I'm happy but I'm just processing, taking one day at a time. I just try to take it easy. Wake up, work out, drink my coffee, try not to think too much about it. Last night I couldn't sleep, I was thinking about it. I want to think it's 13 minutes of doing what I love, what I like. I know I'm gonna have fun.'
He reflected on his unexpected journey to this global stage, adding, 'I wasn’t looking for the album of the year at the Grammys, I wasn’t looking for the Super Bowl halftime show. To be on the biggest stage in the world is something that I never thought possible. You always have to be proud of who you are and feel comfortable being yourself, being proud about your history and where you are from and don't let that limit yourself. I feel very blessed, every step of my career I get to another level, it’s how I feel. It has been a beautiful and tough journey. I worked for it.'
The convergence of high-profile politics, cultural representation, and sporting spectacle sets the stage for a Super Bowl weekend marked by division and celebration in equal measure.
