Trump calls out Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance, igniting cultural backlash
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Feb 10, 2026, 22:30 IST
The Super Bowl halftime show by Bad Bunny became a target of Donald Trump who deemed it to be disrespectful to American cultural values. The music industry and fans of Bad Bunny's performance both recognised its cultural value and ability to bring people together.
TL;DR
Donald Trump condemned Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance as inappropriate and incomprehensible. The artist, however, received widespread praise for celebrating Latin American identity and delivering a message of unity, which demonstrated the cultural and political divisions that existed throughout the performance.
Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show received public condemnation from former President Donald Trump who described it as one of the worst performances in history while he fuelled an ongoing cultural battle in America about language and national identity.
Public reaction split further, with opinions shifting along familiar societal lines. The event became less about music and more about underlying tensions. Sharp words from a political figure amplified existing rifts. Interpretations varied widely across different communities. Some saw artistic freedom; others viewed disruption. National discourse absorbed yet another flashpoint tied to visibility and belonging. Perspectives hardened without clear resolution in sight.
Following the event, commentary from Trump appeared online despite his absence from the stadium. Watching remotely during a private function in Florida, remarks emerged through a Truth Social update. The presentation, according to him, lacked coherence, phrased bluntly as something without meaning. Disapproval surfaced clearly; words framed the act as disrespectful toward national values. Standards matter, he emphasised, particularly those tied to achievement, originality, and strength. That evening’s entertainment, in his view, fell short across each measure.
Beginning mid-stage, a figure emerged, Bad Bunny, known offstage as Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, delivering tracks rooted in Spanish lyricism. Through motion that followed precise patterns, alongside imagery layered with deeper meaning, the moment unfolded slowly. Appearances by figures such as Lady Gaga, then later Ricky Martin, added weight without shifting focus. From Puerto Rico, this voice carried ideas not just of rhythm but of shared identity among nations below the northern border.
Once, mid-performance, Bad Bunny extended the saying "God bless America," listing over twenty nations from North and South alike. Beside him waved two banners: one American, one Puerto Rican, symbols standing side by side. Midway through, a football appeared, inscribed with the words “Together we are America”, held aloft without comment. Each gesture unfolded slowly, carrying weight beyond speech. Flags did not dominate; they coexisted, framed by deliberate pauses. The continent’s name was spoken not as property but as collective space. Not once did he shout; volume gave way to clarity. Nations were named like relatives, one after another, with rhythm. Meaning is built quietly, line by unforced line. Symbols stayed visible long enough to be seen, then faded into silence. What remained was neither protest nor praise, simply presence.
Criticism emerged over word choices alongside stage movements. It was stated online that listeners struggled to catch the words, while dance moves seemed unsuitable for young audiences across the country. Before lights hit the field, disapproval already surfaced regarding the artist selected. Remarks once made pointed to unfit representation during major televised events, naming the performer unworthy well ahead of time.
One week prior, a milestone unfolded at the Grammy Awards involving Bad Bunny. His album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos (I Should Have Taken More Photos)” claimed the award for best overall release, marking the first time such recognition went to a Spanish-language project, per official records from the Recording Academy. While speaking on stage, attention shifted beyond music as he addressed federal enforcement measures tied to immigration, referencing intensified operations across the country. That moment became notable not only for its artistic significance but also for its sharp commentary on current policy.
Months before the game, resistance formed among right-leaning groups regarding the choice of performer. A group called Turning Point USA arranged its own presentation named “The All American Halftime Show”. Artists connected to policies favoured by former President Trump took part. Instead of urban rhythms, this gathering emphasised rural sounds and symbols common in classic country expression.
Yet approval poured in from viewers nationwide, including many in Puerto Rico, even amid negative reviews. Praise streamed through online networks, focusing on creative expression, heritage, and openness in tone. Gatherings tuned in from coast to island, revealing wide resonance.
What happened during halftime stirs wider questions across America, on visibility, speech, and whose voices shape a shared identity when millions are watching. A moment on a major platform becomes a mirror, reflecting divides not easily settled.
Donald Trump condemned Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance as inappropriate and incomprehensible. The artist, however, received widespread praise for celebrating Latin American identity and delivering a message of unity, which demonstrated the cultural and political divisions that existed throughout the performance.
Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show received public condemnation from former President Donald Trump who described it as one of the worst performances in history while he fuelled an ongoing cultural battle in America about language and national identity.
Public reaction split further, with opinions shifting along familiar societal lines. The event became less about music and more about underlying tensions. Sharp words from a political figure amplified existing rifts. Interpretations varied widely across different communities. Some saw artistic freedom; others viewed disruption. National discourse absorbed yet another flashpoint tied to visibility and belonging. Perspectives hardened without clear resolution in sight.
Following the event, commentary from Trump appeared online despite his absence from the stadium. Watching remotely during a private function in Florida, remarks emerged through a Truth Social update. The presentation, according to him, lacked coherence, phrased bluntly as something without meaning. Disapproval surfaced clearly; words framed the act as disrespectful toward national values. Standards matter, he emphasised, particularly those tied to achievement, originality, and strength. That evening’s entertainment, in his view, fell short across each measure.
Beginning mid-stage, a figure emerged, Bad Bunny, known offstage as Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, delivering tracks rooted in Spanish lyricism. Through motion that followed precise patterns, alongside imagery layered with deeper meaning, the moment unfolded slowly. Appearances by figures such as Lady Gaga, then later Ricky Martin, added weight without shifting focus. From Puerto Rico, this voice carried ideas not just of rhythm but of shared identity among nations below the northern border.
Once, mid-performance, Bad Bunny extended the saying "God bless America," listing over twenty nations from North and South alike. Beside him waved two banners: one American, one Puerto Rican, symbols standing side by side. Midway through, a football appeared, inscribed with the words “Together we are America”, held aloft without comment. Each gesture unfolded slowly, carrying weight beyond speech. Flags did not dominate; they coexisted, framed by deliberate pauses. The continent’s name was spoken not as property but as collective space. Not once did he shout; volume gave way to clarity. Nations were named like relatives, one after another, with rhythm. Meaning is built quietly, line by unforced line. Symbols stayed visible long enough to be seen, then faded into silence. What remained was neither protest nor praise, simply presence.
Criticism emerged over word choices alongside stage movements. It was stated online that listeners struggled to catch the words, while dance moves seemed unsuitable for young audiences across the country. Before lights hit the field, disapproval already surfaced regarding the artist selected. Remarks once made pointed to unfit representation during major televised events, naming the performer unworthy well ahead of time.
One week prior, a milestone unfolded at the Grammy Awards involving Bad Bunny. His album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos (I Should Have Taken More Photos)” claimed the award for best overall release, marking the first time such recognition went to a Spanish-language project, per official records from the Recording Academy. While speaking on stage, attention shifted beyond music as he addressed federal enforcement measures tied to immigration, referencing intensified operations across the country. That moment became notable not only for its artistic significance but also for its sharp commentary on current policy.
Months before the game, resistance formed among right-leaning groups regarding the choice of performer. A group called Turning Point USA arranged its own presentation named “The All American Halftime Show”. Artists connected to policies favoured by former President Trump took part. Instead of urban rhythms, this gathering emphasised rural sounds and symbols common in classic country expression.
Yet approval poured in from viewers nationwide, including many in Puerto Rico, even amid negative reviews. Praise streamed through online networks, focusing on creative expression, heritage, and openness in tone. Gatherings tuned in from coast to island, revealing wide resonance.
What happened during halftime stirs wider questions across America, on visibility, speech, and whose voices shape a shared identity when millions are watching. A moment on a major platform becomes a mirror, reflecting divides not easily settled.