President Donald Trump didn’t hold back his thoughts on Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX halftime performance.
In a scathing Truth Social post published shortly after the Puerto Rican superstar left the field at Levi’s Stadium, Trump called the show “absolutely terrible” and “one of the worst, EVER.”
The criticism has sparked immediate debate about cultural representation, American identity, and who gets to define what belongs on one of television’s biggest stages.
Bad Bunny has not yet responded to the president’s comments, though the performance itself continues trending across social media platforms with largely positive reactions from viewers.
Trump’s Full Critique: “An Affront to the Greatness of America”
The president’s Truth Social post didn’t mince words about his displeasure with the culturally-specific performance that showcased Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rican heritage.
The Super Bowl Halftime Show is absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER! It makes no sense, is an affront to the Greatness of America, and doesn’t represent our standards of Success, Creativity, or Excellence.
Trump specifically took issue with the language barrier, writing that “nobody understands a word this guy is saying.”
That claim overlooks a significant demographic reality: more than 44.8 million people in the United States speak Spanish, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Puerto Rico itself is a U.S. territory, making its residents American citizens.
Criticism Extended Beyond Language
The president’s concerns weren’t limited to linguistic accessibility.
The dancing is disgusting, especially for young children that are watching from throughout the U.S.A., and all over the World. This ‘Show’ is just a ‘slap in the face’ to our Country, which is setting new standards and records every single day — including the Best Stock Market and 401(k)s in History!
Trump also predicted that the performance would receive positive coverage from what he termed “the Fake News Media,” adding that such outlets “haven’t got a clue of what is going on in the REAL WORLD.”
Interestingly, the post concluded with an unrelated demand that “the NFL should immediately replace its ridiculous new Kickoff Rule.”
What Actually Happened During Bad Bunny’s Performance
The halftime show represented one of the most culturally specific productions in Super Bowl history, leaning heavily into Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rican roots.
The performance blended reggaeton, Latin trap, and Caribbean rhythms with large-scale choreography that reflected the artist’s signature style.
Several high-profile guest appearances elevated the spectacle beyond a solo showcase:
- Lady Gaga made a surprise appearance
- Ricky Martin joined Bad Bunny on stage
- Cardi B appeared in a cameo role
- Additional celebrity moments drew widespread social media attention
The production showcased Bad Bunny’s status as one of the most commercially successful artists of the past decade.
Bad Bunny’s Chart Dominance
Born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, Bad Bunny has repeatedly topped Billboard charts with multiple No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200.
His releases Un Verano Sin Ti and Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana both reached the chart’s summit, cementing his mainstream appeal. His music has helped push Spanish-language releases into the heart of U.S. pop and hip-hop consumption, breaking barriers that existed for decades.
Political and Cultural Context Behind the Backlash
Trump’s remarks arrive amid heightened political attention around halftime show programming.
Conservative commentators online sparked debate even before the president weighed in. Some right-wing groups criticized the NFL’s continued efforts to spotlight Latin artists, while others questioned Bad Bunny’s role as a cultural ambassador despite his U.S. citizenship through Puerto Rico’s territorial status.
The criticism reflects broader tensions around cultural representation in mainstream American entertainment.
NFL’s Strategic Direction
The league has increasingly leaned into global and multicultural programming for halftime performances in recent years.
This shift reflects the NFL’s stated goal of expanding its international reach and appealing to diverse audience segments. Apple Music has served as the official halftime show sponsor since 2023, with performers selected in partnership with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.
Previous recent halftime shows have featured Rihanna, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, and The Weeknd—artists with global appeal who often incorporate multicultural elements into their performances.
Audience Reaction Tells a Different Story
Despite presidential criticism, early audience reaction to Bad Bunny’s performance was largely positive.
Clips from the show trended across TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram throughout Sunday night. Fans praised the choreography, energy, and cultural authenticity of the production.
Many viewers celebrated seeing Puerto Rican culture represented on such a massive platform, particularly given the island’s complicated relationship with the U.S. government and its frequent exclusion from mainstream American narratives.
Social media sentiment analysis showed overwhelmingly positive engagement with performance clips, suggesting a disconnect between political criticism and actual viewer reception.
Billboard reached out to Bad Bunny for comment on Trump’s post, but the artist had not publicly responded as of press time. Whether he chooses to address the criticism directly remains to be seen, though his track record suggests he’s unlikely to let political commentary dictate his artistic direction.
The controversy underscores ongoing debates about American identity, cultural inclusion, and who gets to decide what represents the nation on its biggest stages.