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The NFL has no plans to drop the global music icon as the star attraction for the Super Bowl halftime show, League chief Roger Goodell announced this week.

In doing so, Goodell reaffirmed the decision to feature the Puerto Rican artist on the league’s biggest stage, a move that sparked criticism from Donald Trump and his political base.

Goodell commented on the debate during his media briefing following the league's autumn gathering. This marks the first time he has spoken out on the selection, which has attracted worldwide attention, including a surge in streams of the artist's catalog alongside opposition.

“It’s carefully thought through,” Goodell remarked. “I doubt we have chosen an artist where we didn’t have pushback or disapproval. It’s pretty hard to do when you have literally countless viewers 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 lately opted to do a month-long concert series in his homeland, avoiding stops in the mainland US, referencing concerns about the mass deportation of Latinos.

The 31-year-old, who performs primarily in his native language, is expected to do so at the Super Bowl.

“We’re confident it will deliver a spectacular performance,” Goodell commented. “He is aware of the opportunity that he’s on, and I think it’s going to be thrilling and a united moment.”

The host team are staging the Super Bowl on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in the Bay Area. It is unclear if the former president plans to attend, though he has turned appearing in person at high-profile games a key aspect of his second term.

Trump during a discussion on right-leaning media Newsmax claimed he had “no knowledge of” the performer.

“I don’t know his identity,” he stated. “I don’t know the reasoning behind it. It seems absurd. And then, they attribute it to some promoter they contracted to pick up entertainment. In my opinion it’s completely unreasonable.”

The commissioner supported the decision this week, clarifying it was determined because of Bad Bunny’s massive fanbase.

“He’s one of the leading and best-loved performers in the world,” Goodell affirmed. “That’s what we try to accomplish. It represents a crucial platform for us. It’s an important element to the entertainment value.”