President Donald Trump launched a blistering critique of Bad Bunny’s 2026 Super Bowl LX halftime show, calling it “absolutely terrible” and “one of the worst ever” in a post on his social platform, Truth Social. Trump’s comments didn’t just take aim at the music — he argued the performance “makes no sense,” is “an affront to the Greatness of America,” and claimed it failed to meet his standards of what American entertainment should be. He also dismissed the show’s choreography as “disgusting,” especially for children, and complained that because Bad Bunny performed primarily in Spanish, “nobody understands a word this guy is saying.”
The president’s reaction came shortly after Bad Bunny — born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio — delivered one of the most watched halftime performances in Super Bowl history at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The set, which celebrated Latin music, dance, and multicultural influence with vibrant staging and guest appearances, was historic in many ways — not least because Bad Bunny became the first male solo artist to perform a halftime show entirely in Spanish.
Trump used his post as an opportunity to boost other talking points unrelated to the performance itself, including touting a strong stock market and criticizing the NFL’s new kickoff rule, even though those topics had nothing to do with the show on the field. He also predicted that the media — what he called the “Fake News Media” — would praise the performance regardless of its quality.
Bad Bunny’s halftime set was visually and thematically rich, blending music with cultural symbolism that resonated with many viewers — but frustrated others. The performance featured a mix of Latin genres, dancers in elaborate costumes, dramatic set pieces, and multilingual lyrics. At one point, the stage became a field of sugarcane, and at another, a wedding scene unfolded complete with guests and festivities. Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin made surprise appearances, contributing to the show’s celebratory atmosphere.
Yet the same elements that thrilled some audiences became points of contention for Trump and other critics. The use of Spanish for the entirety of the set, while historic and meaningful to millions of Spanish speakers, was cited by detractors who said they couldn’t understand the lyrics. Others interpreted cultural references and imagery — such as the display of Latin American flags and the performance’s emphasis on Latino heritage — as leaning too far into identity politics.
At the climax of the show, Bad Bunny held up a football emblazoned with “Together We Are America” and the phrase “the only thing more powerful than hate is love” was projected on large screens, underscoring themes of unity across cultures. Many viewers saw this as a powerful and uplifting message; others saw it as overtly political, which may have fueled some of the backlash.
In his Truth Social post, Trump didn’t just criticize the artistic direction of the show — he framed it as disrespectful to American traditions. He wrote that the performance didn’t reflect the kind of “Success, Creativity, or Excellence” that he believes the Super Bowl should represent. Some partisans echoed his view that an all‑Spanish performance was out of step with what they considered mainstream American entertainment.
“Nobody understands a word this guy is saying,” Trump wrote, focusing on the language barrier despite the global popularity of Bad Bunny’s music. He also objected to the dancing, calling it inappropriate, especially for young children who watch the game with their families.
Trump wrapped up his post with political rhetoric, claiming the show was a “slap in the face” to the country’s achievements and suggesting that media praise was part of a broader disconnect from “the REAL WORLD.” His comments also referenced his long‑standing grievances with the NFL’s rules and other unrelated topics, turning what was meant to be a performance review into a wider political statement.
To understand why Trump’s comments resonated with some — and were rejected by others — it helps to look at the cultural and political backdrop. Bad Bunny has been a vocal critic of U.S. immigration policies and has spoken out against actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), especially in contexts affecting Latino communities. His messages of unity and inclusivity have been celebrated by many artists and public figures but criticized by conservative commentators.
Moreover, the choice to have a performance primarily in Spanish at the Super Bowl — a global broadcast watched by hundreds of millions — was both historic and symbolic. Spanish is one of the most spoken languages in the United States and around the world, and Bad Bunny’s prominence reflects the broad appeal of Latin music. Yet critics saw it as a departure from traditional expectations for the iconic halftime slot, which historically featured predominantly English‑language performances.
Supporters argued Bad Bunny’s set was a celebration of America’s diversity — a blend of cultures and identities that reflect the nation’s evolving demographic landscape. They saw his message of unity as especially meaningful in a time of deep political polarization. Others felt — whether due to language barriers or cultural differences — that the show simply wasn’t for them.
While Trump’s comments dominated headlines, public reaction to the halftime show was far from unanimous. Many viewers and celebrities praised Bad Bunny’s performance as innovative, inclusive, and emotionally powerful. Some highlighted how the show brought Latin music and culture to an enormous stage, inspiring both longtime fans and new listeners alike.
Social media posts reflected this split: some viewers enthusiastically celebrated the performance regardless of language barriers, saying they enjoyed the vibe, energy, and production. Others criticized it for not aligning with their expectations of a Super Bowl halftime show or for its cultural and stylistic choices.
Even among professional commentators, opinions varied. Some media outlets hailed the show as a joyful celebration of multiculturalism with broad appeal, while others framed the performance within ongoing debates about culture, identity, and what constitutes mainstream American entertainment. This range of responses highlights how something as seemingly apolitical as a musical set can become a flashpoint in larger cultural discussions.
Trump’s scathing reaction to Bad Bunny’s halftime show underscores how cultural events have become intertwined with political identity in the United States. What once might have been discussed primarily in terms of music and spectacle now becomes a reflection of broader societal debates about language, representation, and national values.
The sharp divide in responses — from Trump’s denunciation to praise from other public figures — reflects ongoing tensions over America’s evolving cultural landscape. For some, the idea that a Spanish‑language performance can headlining America’s biggest sports event is a point of pride; for others, it becomes a symbol of cultural change they find uncomfortable or unwelcome.
Bad Bunny’s halftime show — complete with vibrant visuals, celebrity guests, and a message of unity — may be remembered not just as entertainment, but as a marker of how music, sport, and politics increasingly intersect in the public sphere. Whether audiences agree with Trump’s critique or reject it, the conversation itself illustrates how much the Super Bowl halftime show has evolved from a simple performance into a stage for cultural expression and debate.
