Donald Trump has launched a scathing critique of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance, labelling it “one of the worst ever” and a “slap in the face” to America. The former US President expressed his strong disapproval of the all-Spanish set, deeming it “absolutely terrible” and devoid of any inspirational qualities, particularly due to the Puerto Rican artist’s decision not to perform in English.
Trump’s Strong Disapproval
Trump’s discontent extended beyond the language choice, as he also voiced his displeasure with what he described as “suggestive dancing,” citing instances where Bad Bunny repeatedly grabbed his crotch and women engaged in twerking on stage. In a lengthy review posted on Truth Social, Trump stated, “Nobody understands a word this guy is saying, and the dancing is disgusting, especially for young children that are watching from throughout the U.S.A., and all over the World.” He further argued that the performance “makes no sense, is an affront to the Greatness of America, and doesn’t represent our standards of Success, Creativity, or Excellence.”
A Celebration of Latin Culture
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, headlined the Super Bowl halftime show at Levi’s Stadium in California, an event that saw the Seattle Seahawks defeat the New England Patriots 29-13. The performance itself was a vibrant spectacle, transforming the football field into a landscape reminiscent of a sugarcane plantation. It featured elements such as domino players, a Latino wedding scene, and utility poles that Bad Bunny climbed to showcase his artistry.
The Puerto Rican artist, a known critic of Trump’s immigration policies, used the platform to display a message of unity. He held a football emblazoned with the words, “Together, we are America,” while listing countries from North and South America. A subsequent message on the large screen declared, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”
During the show, Bad Bunny placed his hand on the head of a young boy and presented him with a Grammy. While initially thought to be a child detained by ICE agents, it was later revealed to be a young actor. For fans, the performance was a heartfelt tribute to Latin and Hispanic culture, but it clearly ignited the ire of Donald Trump.
Political Undertones and Alternative Entertainment
Trump’s reaction was swift and pointed. He described the show as “an affront to the Greatness of America” and a “slap in the face” to a country he believes is setting “new standards and records every single day.” He also accused the “Fake News Media” of giving the performance positive reviews without understanding the “REAL WORLD.”
Adding to his grievances, Trump reiterated his long-standing criticism of the NFL’s kickoff rule, urging for its immediate replacement and a return to the “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN” ethos.
The sentiment of dissatisfaction with the official halftime show was echoed by some of Trump’s supporters. Many reportedly switched off NBC during the halftime break to watch Turning Point USA’s “All-American” show on YouTube, which featured performances by artists like Kid Rock. Trump had previously expressed his anticipation of an alternative show, stating his opposition to the chosen musicians and his belief that such performances “sow hatred.” The live stream of the alternative entertainment peaked at over 5 million viewers.
A Star-Studded and Thematic Performance
Bad Bunny’s performance was not a solo act. He was joined by a notable lineup of stars, including Lady Gaga, Pedro Pascal, Ricky Martin, Jessica Alba, Karol G, and Cardi B. The show commenced with “Tití Me Preguntó,” performed amidst the constructed sugarcane field, with other artists miming its harvest. Bad Bunny, dressed in white attire, carried a football, symbolising unity.
The setlist included a string of popular tracks such as “Yo Perreo Sola,” “Safaera,” “Party,” “Voy a Llevarte Pa’ PR,” “E.O.D,” and “Monaco.” A pre-recorded segment featured Bad Bunny humorously falling through a roof, only to emerge and kick open the front door. He was later seen being pulled along a line of violinists as a couple appeared to conclude a wedding ceremony, paving the way for Lady Gaga’s surprise appearance.
Lady Gaga, in a striking blue dress, delivered a rendition of “Die With A Smile,” reimagined with a Salsa flair. As Bad Bunny navigated through the sugarcane maze, he paused to perform near fruit vendors, a table of elderly men playing games, and a beautician tending to a woman’s nails. He then ascended to a rooftop, where celebrities like Pedro Pascal, Cardi B, and Jessica Alba danced below.
In a moment of rare English delivery, Bad Bunny declared, “God Bless America,” before acknowledging various countries across the Americas and emphasising his Puerto Rican heritage. Ricky Martin also made an appearance, performing “Lo que le pasó a Hawaii,” a track from Bad Bunny’s recent album.
A particularly striking segment involved Bad Bunny climbing a platform surrounded by dancers dressed as workers, suspended from wires as if repairing electrical poles. The performance concluded with “El Apagón,” “Café Con Ron,” and the title track from his latest album, “DeBí Tirar Más Fotos.”
Messages of Social Commentary
Beyond the visual spectacle, the performance was imbued with political and social messages. Dr. Allison Wiltz noted the performance’s connection to the history of sugar slavery in the Southern states, the Caribbean, and South America, calling it “brilliant, thought provoking, well executed.” The stage design also incorporated imagery of exploding power grids, a direct reference to Puerto Rico’s recurring and prolonged electricity outages, an issue Bad Bunny has previously addressed in his music, including his 2022 mini-documentary “El Apagón” (The Power Outage).
Diverse Reactions
While Trump and some of his supporters expressed strong disapproval, many viewers found the halftime show to be a captivating and meaningful experience. Fans lauded it as a “love letter to Latin and Hispanic culture.” One X user described the show as “straight up crack in my veins” for fans of both Lady Gaga and Bad Bunny.
Another viewer offered a balanced perspective, stating, “Bad Bunny was entertaining. Obviously some of the lyrics and dancing are what you’d expect from a hip hop act, but overall, pro-family, pro Puerto Rican/Latin culture – yes, but also pro American.”
Conversely, some viewers aligned with Trump’s sentiments. One commenter lamented the missed opportunity for a “Happy 250th Birthday half-time show” for the USA, criticising the use of “foreign flags and a Spanish speaker” as a “disgrace.” Another stated that the Super Bowl should be an “American game,” with only the Stars and Stripes flying. A particularly strong reaction came from an X user who claimed to have switched to the TPUSA halftime show with their grandchildren, quoting their wife’s observation of Bad Bunny’s “disgusting” crotch-grabbing and criticising the NFL for allowing “scum into our American pastimes!!”
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