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The NFL has no plans to remove Bad Bunny as the headline performer for the Super Bowl halftime show, League chief Roger Goodell stated on Wednesday.

In doing so, Goodell reaffirmed the decision to feature the internationally acclaimed singer on the most-watched platform, a move that sparked criticism from Donald Trump and his political base.

Goodell commented on the debate during his news conference following the league's autumn gathering. This marks the initial instance he has spoken out on the appointment, which has garnered worldwide attention, including a surge in streams of Bad Bunny’s music alongside opposition.

“The decision was thoroughly considered,” Goodell remarked. “I’m not sure we have chosen an performer where we didn’t have pushback or disapproval. It’s challenging to do when you have truly hundreds of millions of fans that are watching.”

The reggaeton star, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a vocal opponent of the former leader. He recently opted to hold a 31-day residency in his homeland, avoiding performances in the mainland US, citing concerns about the mass deportation of Hispanic individuals.

The artist, who performs primarily in his native language, is expected to continue this at the Super Bowl.

“We’re confident it’s going to be a great show,” the NFL commissioner commented. “He is aware of the platform that he has, and in my view it’s going to be thrilling and a united moment.”

The San Francisco 49ers are staging the championship game on 8 February at the Santa Clara venue in Santa Clara, California. There is uncertainty if Trump intends to be there, though he has made physical attendance at major sporting events a key aspect of his current presidency.

Trump during a discussion on conservative news network Newsmax said he had “no knowledge of” the performer.

“I’m unfamiliar with who he is,” he said. “I don’t know why they’re doing it. It seems absurd. Additionally, they blame it on an outside booker they hired to select talent. In my opinion it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

Goodell defended the decision this week, explaining it was determined because of the artist’s massive fanbase.

“He’s one of the leading and most popular performers globally,” Goodell said. “This is exactly what we aim to accomplish. It represents a crucial platform for us. It’s an important component to the entertainment value.”