President Donald Trump sparked immediate controversy following Super Bowl LX by issuing a harsh critique of Bad Bunny’s halftime performance on his social media platform, Truth Social. Calling the show “absolutely terrible” and “one of the worst ever,” Trump framed his criticism not only as a matter of musical taste but as a broader cultural grievance. He argued that the performance “made no sense,” failed to reflect American greatness, and was unfit for a family audience, particularly objecting to the choreography and the fact that the performance was conducted entirely in Spanish. Trump’s comments quickly moved beyond entertainment critique, becoming a statement about language, culture, and national identity. By framing the show as an affront to his vision of American excellence, he transformed a musical performance into a political flashpoint, ensuring the halftime show would be discussed as much for its cultural implications as for its artistry.
Bad Bunny’s performance itself was historic and meticulously crafted, marking the first time a male solo artist headlined the Super Bowl halftime show entirely in Spanish. Held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the set celebrated Latin music, heritage, and multicultural expression through elaborate staging, genre-blending music, and symbolic visuals. The show incorporated elements of reggaeton, salsa, and Latin pop, alongside striking imagery such as sugarcane fields and a staged wedding scene that evoked tradition, joy, and community. Surprise appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin heightened the spectacle and reinforced the sense of cross-cultural celebration. For many viewers, the performance represented a milestone for Latino representation on one of the world’s largest entertainment stages, reflecting the global reach of Latin music and its deep roots within American culture.
Trump’s reaction, however, extended beyond the halftime show itself. In his Truth Social post, he pivoted to unrelated topics, including praise for the stock market and criticism of the NFL’s kickoff rule changes, blending cultural commentary with familiar political grievances. He also preemptively dismissed anticipated praise from mainstream media, asserting that what he labeled the “Fake News Media” would celebrate the performance regardless of quality. This rhetorical move positioned his critique as an act of resistance against both cultural change and media institutions, reinforcing a broader narrative he has often used to frame himself as a voice of “real America” in opposition to elite or progressive forces. His focus on the Spanish language—emphasizing that “nobody understands a word this guy is saying”—became a central point of contention, highlighting deeper anxieties about language, belonging, and who gets to define American mainstream culture.
The same elements that energized supporters of the show became focal points for its critics. Bad Bunny’s emphasis on Latino heritage, including the display of Latin American flags and overt cultural symbolism, was embraced by many as a celebration of diversity but criticized by others as overly political or exclusionary. The show’s climax featured a football emblazoned with the phrase “Together We Are America,” accompanied by projected messages stating that love is stronger than hate. While supporters viewed these moments as uplifting calls for unity in a divided nation, detractors interpreted them as ideological statements that blurred the line between entertainment and activism. Trump echoed these criticisms by framing the performance as disrespectful to American traditions, suggesting that it failed to embody the success, creativity, and excellence he associates with the Super Bowl brand.
Public reaction to the halftime show was sharply divided, reflecting broader cultural and political polarization. Many viewers and celebrities praised the performance as innovative, joyful, and emotionally resonant, arguing that language barriers were irrelevant to music’s ability to convey energy and emotion. Social media was filled with posts celebrating the show’s vibe, visuals, and representation, with fans noting that Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the United States. At the same time, others expressed discomfort or dissatisfaction, citing unfamiliarity with the music, cultural references, or deviation from their expectations of what a Super Bowl halftime show should look and sound like. Media commentary mirrored this split, with some outlets framing the show as a triumph of multiculturalism and others contextualizing it within ongoing debates about identity politics and national cohesion.
Ultimately, Trump’s reaction to Bad Bunny’s halftime performance underscores how deeply intertwined culture and politics have become in modern America. What might once have been evaluated primarily on artistic grounds now serves as a proxy for larger debates about language, representation, immigration, and national identity. Bad Bunny’s set may be remembered not only for its music and spectacle, but for the conversation it ignited about who America is and who it is becoming. Whether viewed as a proud celebration of diversity or a departure from tradition, the performance demonstrated how the Super Bowl halftime show has evolved into a powerful cultural stage—one capable of reflecting societal change, provoking political response, and revealing the fault lines that shape contemporary public discourse.
