Is Trump The Reason Bad Bunny‘s Tour Is Skipping The US?

When renowned international artist Bad Bunny unveiled the schedule for his “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” World Tour, a notable absence piqued general interest:

The United States.

Fans nationwide searched for their cities but found none among those listed – cities such as New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, which were regular stops on his past tour itineraries.

Instead of concentrating on touring in the United States, the Puerto Rican icon has shifted his primary focus to another venture – a 30-night residency named “No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí” in San Juan, beginning July 11.

This change in plans might leave you wondering why Bad Bunny is bypassing the U.S., a market he previously dominated with his Most Wanted Tour last year.

A Simple Answer?

His own explanation is simple. In his own words:

“It’s unnecessary.”

Recently, during an interview with Variety, artist Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio (also known as Bad Bunny) mentioned that American audiences have already had numerous chances to watch him perform live.

He proposes this move as both a practical and personal choice, given his extensive travel history over the years. However, instead of settling down, one can’t help but question if this decision might also be influenced by deeper concerns – such as the escalating anti-immigrant sentiments in the United States, fueled by the reemergence of Donald Trump on the political scene and the harsh immigration enforcement policies.

Fear At The Gates

Lately, there’s been talk about immigration authorities like ICE and border control agencies such as CBP being noticeable at significant events, including the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup, held in the U.S., where Mexican teams are participating since June 14.

It’s said that these agencies deployed staff near stadiums, fueling concerns that spectators who were immigrants might become targets.

During Trump’s presidency, about 500 individuals were apprehended by ICE in Puerto Rico, with a significant number being Dominican; most of these people did not have any prior criminal records. (Rolling Stone)

For an entertainer with a significant following among immigrants, particularly those from Latin America, the visual impact and possible consequences cannot be overlooked.

One supporter commented online, “I understand why he wouldn’t confront them. If Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were present at the FIFA games, I’d feel the same way at his concerts. It’s about ensuring the safety of his fans.”

Bad Bunny has previously voiced his disapproval towards ICE tactics.

On Instagram, a widely shared story featured a video claimed to be an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Carolina, Puerto Rico, which he strongly criticized, using clear and direct language against those involved.

The video shows plainclothes officers in unidentified cars apprehending individuals, with Bad Bunny’s voice expressing his displeasure towards these agents for interfering with people’s lives. His anger towards such situations isn’t recent; since the 2020 U.S. presidential election, he has shown support for the Biden-Harris ticket and criticized the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

A Cultural Homecoming

Despite the lack of U.S. concert dates for Bad Bunny not seeming to be primarily a political statement, it’s more accurately viewed as an expression of cultural pride and a reevaluation of priorities. After all, this Puerto Rican artist has consistently embraced his roots without hesitation.

In interviews, he frequently prefers to converse in Spanish, reflecting his commitment to his heritage which played a significant role in propelling Latin trap and reggaeton onto the international stage.

As a dedicated follower, it appears that his choice to center his tour around Latin America and establish a residence in Puerto Rico aligns perfectly with his overall spirit.

“It’s a deeply personal project”,

He shared with Variety, mentioning that although he had just completed the Most Wanted Tour, his feelings were already set on San Juan.

Noah Assad, head of his label, shared similar thoughts, referring to the tour as a tribute to presence over enduring legacy; there won’t be any recorded film or grand spectacle saved for future generations. The experience was something you had to witness personally.

It is noteworthy to mention that Bad Bunny doesn’t rely on the U.S. market to prosper. He has amassed over 100 billion streams on Spotify, making him the third artist ever to achieve this feat. For three consecutive years, he has been the most-streamed artist globally, all with albums sung in Spanish.

His allure spans numerous continents, reaching as far as the Caribbean, Latin America, and even Europe. In fact, the mainland United States is merely a segment of his worldwide fanbase.

Conclusion

So, is Trump the reason Bad Bunny’s tour is skipping the U.S.?

Not officially – but the political climate can’t be ignored.

In a blend of cultural pride and affection for Puerto Rico, the choice could serve dual purposes: safeguarding his fans and making a subtle statement of defiance. However, as Bad Bunny has not explicitly commented on the matter, the exact reasons remain unclear.

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2025-06-25 16:10