Donald Trump had plenty to say about this year’s Super Bowl halftime show—and none of it was flattering. After tuning in to watch global music superstar Bad Bunny take center stage, the former president blasted the performance on Truth Social, calling it “absolutely terrible” and “one of the worst, ever.” In his lengthy post, Trump criticized everything from the lyrics to the choreography, arguing that the show failed to reflect what he considers American “greatness” and “excellence.”
Trump didn’t stop there. He described the performance as offensive for young viewers and claimed it disrespected the nation, even tying his complaints to broader talking points about the economy and media bias. He also took the opportunity to slam the NFL’s new kickoff rule, urging the league to scrap it altogether. The fiery reaction quickly made waves online, adding a political edge to what is usually one of pop culture’s biggest nights.
The criticism didn’t come out of nowhere. Just days before the game, Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, told reporters that he would have preferred Kid Rock headlining instead, referencing a separate event tied to conservative group Turning Point USA. That comment set the stage for what many suspected would be a pointed response if Bad Bunny’s show didn’t align with Trump’s tastes.
Meanwhile, Bad Bunny delivered a high-energy set packed with his Spanish-language hits and a proud tribute to Puerto Rico. The global superstar closed the performance with a rendition of God Bless America, a move that sparked conversation across social media. Puerto Rico, of course, has been a U.S. territory for more than a century, and its residents have held American citizenship since 1917, though they cannot vote in presidential elections and lack full congressional representation.
Not everyone shared Trump’s outrage. California Governor Gavin Newsom praised the performance on X, writing, “America, the beautiful. THANK YOU, BAD BUNNY.” Fans also flooded social media with support, applauding the cultural spotlight and the historic moment for Latin music on one of the world’s biggest stages.
As reactions continue to pour in, the halftime show has become more than just a musical event—it’s now a flashpoint in the ongoing culture wars. Whether viewers saw it as groundbreaking or controversial, one thing is certain: Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl moment has people talking far beyond the football field.
