The recent podcast appearance of Fox host Tomi Lahren has sparked significant discussion after she claimed Puerto Ricans are not Americans. This revelation occurred during her conversation with left-wing commentator Krystal Ball on the “Tomi Lahren Is Fearless” podcast.
Controversial Statements on U.S. Citizenship
During the episode, Lahren made an erroneous statement regarding Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny, asserting he does not qualify as an American artist. Krystal Ball promptly corrected her, stating, “He’s Puerto Rican… That’s part of America, dear.”
Public Reaction and Social Media Response
The interaction drew widespread attention across social media. Many commenters criticized Lahren for her lack of knowledge about U.S. citizenship. The clip gained traction, with CNN’s Jake Tapper and political strategist Maria Cardona adding their observations on the exchange.
- Cardona remarked, “She needs to crack a book.”
- Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Martinez Ocasio, is a prominent artist, known for primarily rapping in Spanish.
Bad Bunny’s Stance on ICE and Safety Concerns
In discussions about his performances, Bad Bunny has expressed concerns regarding U.S. immigration enforcement (ICE). He once mentioned avoiding U.S. tours due to safety worries for his fans, reflecting his anti-ICE sentiments.
Polling data from August revealed that ICE holds a -9 favorability rating, suggesting widespread disapproval among the public.
Historical Context
Lahren’s misstep about Puerto Rican citizenship resonated amid ongoing conservative debates about Super Bowl Halftime Show performers. Historically, the event has featured numerous international artists, including:
| Artist Name | Nationality |
|---|---|
| Rihanna | Barbadian |
| Shakira | Colombian |
| Enrique Iglesias | Spanish |
| U2 | Irish |
Despite her initial frustration about Bad Bunny’s citizenship claims, Lahren’s lack of understanding reflects a larger issue regarding knowledge of U.S. territories and their status.
Conclusion
Tomi Lahren’s comments illuminate common misconceptions about U.S. citizenship, especially concerning Puerto Rico. As conversations continue, they stress the need for education on the contributions of artists like Bad Bunny, who represent both their heritage and American culture.
