Newsom takes on critics over Bad Bunny's Super Bowl role
Governor Gavin Newsom isn't backing down when it comes down defending Bad Bunny's spot at Super Bowl 2026. Stepping right up against conservative critics, including VP JD Vance, who are upset about having this global music star perform at such a big American event, Newsom's office has decided it's worth a fight.
When word got out that Bad Bunny, aka Benito Ocasio from Puerto Rico, would headline this major sports spectacle, it set conservative tongues waggin'. A good number from this group have not taken kindly, threatening boycotts and labeling him as "satanic" because he's a vocal LGBTQ+ supporter. Apparently, he doesn't fit their bill as suitable halftime entertainment.
Newsom's office fires back with humor
Not one miss an opportunity, Governor Newsom's Press Office took a cheeky swing in reply on September 30, 2025. They headed over Twitter (or X, if you like) and posted an old college photo showing JD Vance in a skirt, wig, and makeup. The caption, dripping with sarcasm, read, "I'm boycottting because Bad Bunny dressed in drag," poking fun at Vance's college get-ups.
This infamous image from Vance's Yale days first popped up during 2024 election season. Like clockwork, a spokesperson chimed in, saying, "JD put on a bad wig at a party in college - not exactly scandalous."
Aim at more MAGA republicans
And they didn't stop with Vance. Benny Johnson, another MAGA fan, got his share. Johnson, who dubbed Bad Bunny a "massive Trump hating" individual and an "anti-ICE" advocate, was nudged with a tweet teasing, "Benny, calm down, we all know you listen. Bad Bunny, lol."
Questions arise over Newsom's trans rights stance
Even while his team gets praise, Newsom himself's drawing heat. It seems there's been a shift in how he's handling trans rights topics. After sharing a stage with Charlie Kirk and agreeing about trans inclusion in sports, critics are questioning if he's turning right.
Newsom went on a podcast and backed Kirk's fairness argument, noting it felt "deeply unfair." This unexpected alliance with conservative views hasn't gone unnoticed by LGBTQ+ supporters. Add hosting Steve Bannon—yes, that Steve Bannon—on his platform, and feathers are thoroughly ruffled. Comedian Paul F. Tompkins couldn't resist, suggesting Newsom should try being "governor at sea" and encouraged him, with a dabble in sarcasm, not Bannon but "interview a trans person about your anti-trans bulls**t."
Applause and accolades
Through it all, Newsom's Press Office has gained a following, at least among progressives, thanks largely in part due. They're getting high marks in using humor effectively against conservative flak on social media. Their snappy posts aren't just about laughs; they're zeroing in on serious conversations about representation and who gets a seat at these cultural tables.
With Bad Bunny leading this charge toward inclusivity as Super Bowl 2026 looms, it's clear these discussions are only ramping up. As Governor Newsom continues balancing this political tightrope, one thing's certain—the debates aren't going anywhere, and neither, it seems, are his office's clever comebacks.
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