In a surprising turn of events that has social media buzzing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has inadvertently featured a track by Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny in a New Year’s Eve compilation video. The move comes as a stark contrast to her previous public criticisms of the Grammy-winning artist.
Leavitt’s Public Stance on Bad Bunny
Leavitt had previously been vocal in her disapproval of Bad Bunny, particularly after his anti-ICE remarks at the 2026 Grammy Awards. During a press conference, she expressed her strong disagreement, stating, “I think it’s very ironic and frankly sad to see celebrities who live in gated communities with private security, with millions of dollars to spend protecting themselves, trying to just demonize again, law enforcement, public servants who work for the United States government to enforce our nation’s laws.” Her comments highlighted a perceived disconnect between celebrity opinions and the realities faced by law enforcement.
Social Media’s Amused Reaction
The unexpected inclusion of Bad Bunny’s music in Leavitt’s official New Year’s compilation video, uploaded on December 31, 2025, quickly drew widespread attention online. The remixed background track featured a snippet of Bad Bunny’s song, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos.”
Users on social media platforms were quick to point out the apparent irony and amusement. Comments flooded in, with many expressing their disbelief and laughter.
- One user quipped, “Bad bunny playing for the recap is the funniest s— I’ve seen so far this year. She low-key loves him like the rest of us 🤣.”
- Another commenter highlighted the irony, writing, “Not her using bad bunny on her stuff 😂😂😂😂.”
- A more critical observer suggested a lack of awareness on Leavitt’s part, stating, “She doesn’t even know. She’s just like OMG this is popular I’m gonna did [sic] it too!! I hope her children and grandchildren and great grandchildren ……. Will forever be mortified.”
The Conservative Response to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Performance
This incident follows a broader conservative backlash against Bad Bunny’s selection as the Super Bowl halftime show performer. In anticipation of the event, a coalition of conservatives organised an alternative halftime show featuring artists such as Kid Rock.
Leading up to the Super Bowl, Leavitt was asked about which performance then-President Donald Trump might prefer. She responded, “I think the president would much prefer Kid Rock’s performance over Bad Bunny.” This statement aligned with the prevailing sentiment among some conservative circles who viewed Bad Bunny’s music and persona as unrepresentative of American values.
Trump’s Scathing Critique of the Halftime Show
As anticipated, Donald Trump did not hold back in his criticism of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance. He took to Truth Social on the night of the game to express his strong disapproval, labelling the show as “absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER!”
Trump’s lengthy rant detailed his objections:
- He argued that the performance “makes no sense, is an affront to the Greatness of America, and doesn’t represent our standards of Success, Creativity or Excellence.”
- He further criticised the artist’s intelligibility and the nature of the dancing, deeming it inappropriate for younger audiences. “Nobody understands a word this guy is saying, and the dancing is disgusting, especially for young children that are watching from throughout the U.S.A., and all over the World.”
- Trump described the show as a “‘slap in the face’ to our Country,” which he claimed was consistently setting new records and standards, citing the stock market and 401(k)s as examples of American success.
- He concluded his critique by stating, “There is nothing inspirational about this mess of a Halftime Show and watch, it will get great reviews from the Fake News Media, because they haven’t got a clue of what is going on in the REAL WORLD — And, by the way, the NFL should immediately replace its ridiculous new Kickoff Rule.”
An Unexpected Twist at Trump’s Super Bowl Party
Despite the public condemnation and the organisation of an alternative performance, a surprising revelation emerged from footage of Donald Trump’s own Super Bowl party. Instead of switching to Kid Rock’s performance as Leavitt had suggested he might, the party guests reportedly allowed Bad Bunny’s halftime show to play. This detail added another layer of irony to the entire saga, suggesting that even those most critical of Bad Bunny’s performance may have found themselves drawn to, or at least tolerant of, his Super Bowl appearance.
The series of events, from Leavitt’s accidental inclusion of Bad Bunny’s music to Trump’s party’s viewing choice, highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of public opinion and political messaging surrounding popular culture.
