James Johnson
The Puerto Rican superstar challenges anti-immigrant rhetoric with a powerful satirical moment in his latest visual release, honoring Latin American communities in the U.S.
Bad Bunny is using art as activism — and doing so with unapologetic boldness.
In his latest music video for “NuevaYol,” the opening track of his album Debí Tirar Más Fotos, the Puerto Rican global superstar delivers a powerful message on immigration — using a voice that sounds remarkably like former U.S. President Donald Trump. Released on July 4, the video weaves together cultural pride, satire, and political commentary in a way that’s unmistakably Bad Bunny.
The provocative moment comes three-quarters through the video, when the music halts and shifts focus to four men listening to a boombox. What plays is not another song, but an unexpected “apology” to immigrants in a voice that mimics Donald Trump.
“I made a mistake,” the voice says. “I want to apologize to the immigrants in America. I mean the United States, I know America is the whole continent. I want to say that this country is nothing without the immigrants. This country is nothing without Mexicans, Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, Colombians, Venezuelans, Cubans—”
The men shake their heads and switch off the boombox — a subtle, cinematic gesture of disbelief.
Though the voice bears a striking resemblance to Trump’s, the message is clearly satirical. It doesn’t match any known speech from the former president — whose stance on immigration has often been harsh — suggesting it’s either the work of a skilled impersonator or AI voice synthesis. Representatives for Bad Bunny have not yet confirmed the method used.
The rest of the “NuevaYol” video is rich with cultural symbolism. At one point, Bad Bunny hangs a Puerto Rican flag from the head of the Statue of Liberty, turning the iconic American monument into a beacon for his homeland. Later, he’s seen attending a quinceañera, celebrating Latin tradition in all its vibrancy.
Bad Bunny’s stance on immigration and cultural identity isn’t new. He has consistently spoken out against xenophobia and colonialist narratives. In 2023, he condemned comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s offensive joke about Puerto Rico at a Trump rally and publicly supported Kamala Harris. Earlier this year, he criticized ICE raids in Carolina, Puerto Rico, calling the agents “sons of bitches” for disturbing the local community.
The singer’s activism has also extended to his tour plans. His upcoming world tour pointedly skips the United States. When asked why, his answer was brief and telling: “It’s unnecessary.”
With “NuevaYol,” Bad Bunny fuses art, satire, and protest to challenge U.S. political narratives — and to celebrate the immigrant communities that continue to shape its identity. It’s more than a music video; it’s a cultural statement.
