Washington, D.C. — U.S. Lee Greenwood: House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has publicly criticized the NFL’s decision to choose Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny as the headliner for the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show, calling it a “terrible decision” and suggesting that Lee Greenwood, known for his patriotic anthem “God Bless the U.S.A.”, would have been a far better choice.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Johnson admitted he was unfamiliar with the global music icon before the announcement but didn’t hesitate to share his disapproval.
“I didn’t even know who Bad Bunny was, but it sounds like a terrible decision, in my view,” Johnson said when asked for his opinion on the NFL’s selection.
Johnson Says Super Bowl Should Feature ‘Role Models’ Like Lee Greenwood
The Speaker went on to emphasize that the Super Bowl is watched by millions of Americans, including families and children, and therefore should feature performers who “appeal to a broader audience.”
“There are so many eyes on the Super Bowl — a lot of young, impressionable children,” Johnson explained. “In my view, you would have Lee Greenwood or role models doing that, not somebody like this.”
Johnson’s comments echo a growing sentiment among conservative audiences who feel that the NFL has become too political in recent years. His mention of Lee Greenwood highlights a cultural divide between mainstream entertainment and traditional, patriotic American music.
Who Is Lee Greenwood and Why Conservatives Support Him
Lee Greenwood is a country music legend, best known for his 1984 hit “God Bless the U.S.A.”, a song that has become synonymous with American pride. The track gained renewed attention during major national events, political campaigns, and especially at Donald Trump’s rallies, where it remains a staple.
For many conservatives, Greenwood represents the kind of artist who embodies American values, family traditions, and patriotism — traits they believe are missing from many of today’s pop culture icons.
By suggesting Lee Greenwood for the Super Bowl Halftime Show, Johnson tapped into this sentiment, offering an alternative that aligns with the ideals of his political base and much of Middle America.
Bad Bunny’s Global Popularity and Political Controversy
Despite the backlash, Bad Bunny — whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio — is one of the most popular and influential musicians in the world. With billions of streams, he stands alongside Taylor Swift and Morgan Wallen as one of the most-streamed artists globally.
His unique fusion of reggaeton, Latin trap, and pop has revolutionized the Latin music scene, earning him Grammy Awards and international acclaim.
However, his outspoken political views have made him a controversial figure among conservatives. Bad Bunny has criticized former President Donald Trump on multiple occasions and has previously said that he would avoid touring in the U.S. mainland due to concerns that his fans could be targeted by federal immigration enforcement.
Political Reactions to the NFL’s Super Bowl Choice
The decision to feature Bad Bunny has sparked outrage among some Trump supporters and MAGA Republicans, who see it as another example of the NFL siding with liberal or progressive ideologies.
Several conservative commentators accused the league of “provoking” Trump’s base ahead of the 2025 presidential election. Some have even suggested that the move could fuel further boycotts against the NFL.
Reports have also surfaced that the Trump administration had previously threatened to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at major events like the Super Bowl in California — a move that further inflamed tensions around issues of immigration and cultural identity.
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The Cultural Divide Over the Super Bowl Stage
For decades, the Super Bowl Halftime Show has been one of the most-watched musical events in the world, often balancing mainstream entertainment with cultural influence.
From Michael Jackson and Beyoncé to country stars like Shania Twain, the show has reflected changing social dynamics in America. However, with Bad Bunny’s selection, critics argue that the NFL may be leaning too heavily toward global and politically charged artists rather than unifying American icons like Lee Greenwood.
Johnson’s remarks bring this cultural divide into focus — a clash between modern pop culture and traditional patriotism.
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What This Means for the NFL and Its Audience
The NFL now faces the challenge of appealing to both global and domestic audiences while avoiding political controversy. Bad Bunny’s performance will undoubtedly attract massive international viewership, but the league risks alienating a portion of its conservative fan base.
If the backlash continues, some analysts suggest that future halftime shows could return to safer, more universally accepted performers — possibly even patriotic artists such as Lee Greenwood, who appeal across generations and political lines.
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Conclusion
The debate over Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance versus Lee Greenwood’s patriotic legacy underscores the growing divide between pop culture and political identity in America.
While Bad Bunny represents a new, diverse generation of global music fans, Lee Greenwood continues to symbolize traditional American pride and values. Whether the NFL’s decision pays off or backfires will likely depend on how fans respond when the Super Bowl lights up in February.
But one thing is clear: the halftime show has once again become more than just entertainment — it’s a reflection of America’s ongoing cultural conversation.
