President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LXI halftime show, calling it “absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER!” and a “slap in the face” to the country. The remarks, posted on Trump’s Truth Social account on , came after the Puerto Rican artist’s performance at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on .
Trump’s statement went on to describe the show as lacking “sense,” an “affront to the Greatness of America,” and failing to represent “our standards of Success, Creativity, or Excellence.” He also took issue with the language used during the performance, stating, “Nobody understands a word this guy is saying,” and deemed the dancing “disgusting, especially for young children.”
The criticism isn’t entirely unexpected. Prior to the Super Bowl, Trump told the New York Post that he opposed both Bad Bunny and Green Day as Super Bowl performers, stating, “I think it’s a terrible choice. All it does is sow hatred.” This latest outburst underscores a pattern of the former president voicing strong opinions on cultural events and performers.
Bad Bunny’s halftime show was notable for its celebration of Puerto Rican culture and its predominantly Spanish-language performance. The artist showcased a medley of his hit songs and culminated the performance by highlighting countries throughout the Americas, beginning with Chile and ending with his native Puerto Rico. The show drew widespread praise on social media, with many viewers celebrating the representation and artistry on display.
However, Bad Bunny has faced conservative backlash in recent months, a trend that appears to have fueled Trump’s negative reaction. The artist has been vocal in his opposition to Trump’s policies, including immigration tactics, and made his views known at the Grammy Awards last week. This political stance likely contributed to the former president’s disapproval.
The Super Bowl halftime show has long been a cultural touchstone, often sparking debate and discussion. While the NFL aims for broad appeal, the selection of performers inevitably draws scrutiny and varying opinions. This year’s choice of Bad Bunny, a global superstar who frequently sings in Spanish, was particularly noteworthy, representing a shift towards greater inclusivity and representation on one of the world’s biggest stages.
Trump’s comments echo a broader pattern of criticism leveled against performers who challenge or oppose his political views. His reaction to Bad Bunny’s performance is consistent with his previous statements regarding artists he perceives as critical of his administration or values. The incident highlights the increasing intersection of politics and entertainment, and the potential for cultural events to become flashpoints for ideological conflict.
Despite Trump’s disapproval, Bad Bunny’s performance resonated with a large audience, both in the stadium and across social media platforms. Fans celebrated the artist’s vibrant energy, cultural pride, and musical talent. The show generated significant buzz and further cemented Bad Bunny’s status as a global icon. The artist’s ability to connect with audiences through his music and cultural expression appears to have outweighed the criticism from the former president.
The controversy surrounding the halftime show also prompted Kid Rock to announce a counter-programmed performance at a TPUSA event. This move further illustrates the polarized reactions to Bad Bunny’s performance and the ongoing cultural divisions within the United States. The Super Bowl, traditionally a unifying event, has once again become a site of political and cultural contention.
The NFL has not yet responded to Trump’s comments. It remains to be seen whether the controversy will have any lasting impact on the league’s selection of future halftime performers. However, the incident underscores the challenges of navigating the increasingly complex landscape of entertainment and politics in the 21st century.
