Former President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance, sharing his reaction on social media shortly after the show aired on Sunday (Feb. 8). The global broadcast, which took place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, drew massive viewership — and quickly sparked political and cultural debate online.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the performance as “one of the worst ever,” arguing that the production failed to reflect what he considers American standards of creativity and excellence. His comments immediately gained attention, adding a political dimension to one of the year’s biggest entertainment events.
Strong Words and Cultural Debate
Trump slams Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show, calling it an ‘insult to America.’
In his post, Trump questioned the language and presentation of the show, claiming viewers would struggle to understand the performance and criticizing elements of the choreography. He also suggested the halftime spectacle did not serve as a positive or inspirational showcase for families watching across the country and around the world.
The remarks sparked discussion online, especially given the large Spanish-speaking population in the United States and the growing influence of Latin music in mainstream entertainment. Trump also used the moment to criticize media coverage and briefly called for changes to the NFL’s kickoff rules.
As of publication, Bad Bunny has not publicly responded to the comments.
A Celebration of Puerto Rican Culture
The halftime production stood out as one of the most culturally focused shows in Super Bowl history. Centered on Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rican roots, the performance blended reggaeton, Latin trap, and Caribbean sounds with large-scale choreography and vibrant visual storytelling.
The set also featured surprise appearances from major artists, including Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, along with cameo moments from stars such as Cardi B. Clips from the performance quickly went viral across TikTok, X, and Instagram, generating millions of views within hours.
A Global Superstar’s Impact
Born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, Bad Bunny has become one of the most influential music figures of the past decade. With multiple No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 — including Un Verano Sin Ti and Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana — he has played a key role in bringing Spanish-language music into the center of U.S. pop culture.
His Super Bowl appearance reflects a broader shift toward multicultural representation in mainstream entertainment, particularly at major global events.
NFL’s Multicultural Direction
The NFL has increasingly embraced international and diverse talent for its halftime shows as part of its strategy to expand its global audience. Since 2023, Apple Music has served as the official halftime sponsor, working alongside Jay-Z’s Roc Nation to select performers who reflect the league’s evolving cultural reach.
While political reactions and online debates followed the broadcast, early audience response to the performance was largely positive, with social media engagement dominating the night.
For now, the conversation around the show highlights the growing intersection of music, culture, and politics — and the powerful spotlight that comes with the Super Bowl stage.