U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance, labeling it “absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER!” In a Truth Social post following the show, Trump described the set as “an affront to the Greatness of America” that fails to represent standards of success, creativity, or excellence.
Trump’s Strong Condemnation
Trump continued, noting that “nobody understands a word this guy is saying, and the dancing is disgusting, especially for young children watching from throughout the U.S.A. and all over the World.” He called the performance a “slap in the face” to the country, which he said sets new standards daily, including record highs in the stock market and 401(k)s.
The president added there was “nothing inspirational about this mess of a Halftime Show,” predicting positive reviews from mainstream media disconnected from reality. He also urged the NFL to replace its new kickoff rule, ending with “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.”
Bad Bunny’s Vibrant Halftime Spectacle
Bad Bunny, real name Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, delivered a 13-minute show rich in Puerto Rican culture despite prior backlash over his selection. The 31-year-old Grammy winner opened amid faux sugar cane fields, passing scenes of farmers in straw hats, domino players, and a shaved ice stand while performing his 2022 reggaeton hit Tití Me Preguntó.
Wearing an all-white football jersey numbered 64 with his last name on the back, he carried a football throughout. Guests including Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, Cardi B, Pedro Pascal, Karol G, Jessica Alba, and Alix Earle joined him on a replica of La Casita, a pink-and-yellow house from his Puerto Rico residency, during Yo Perreo Sola.
The production shifted to a wedding scene where a couple exchanged vows live on stage. Bad Bunny served as witness and signed their certificate after they invited him to their original event. He shouted “God bless America!” near the end, then listed nations across North, South, and Central America, with flags parading through the sugar fields centerpiece.
Closing with “Mi patria Puerto Rico, seguimos aquí”—”My homeland Puerto Rico, we are still here”—Bad Bunny held up the football displaying “The only thing more powerful than hate is love,” mirrored on the scoreboard. A young boy segment showed him receiving a Grammy from Bad Bunny, referencing his recent album of the year win for Debi Tirar Más Fotos, the first Spanish-language album to claim the honor.
TPUSA’s Competing ‘All-American’ Show
Meanwhile, Turning Point USA (TPUSA) hosted a rival “All-American Halftime Show” headlined by Kid Rock alongside Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett. Billed as celebrating faith, family, and freedom, it streamed on YouTube due to licensing issues on X.
The event opened with a tribute to founder Charlie Kirk. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared in video, stating, “From the War Department, we salute Turning Point USA and everyone who believes freedom is still worth the fight.” He praised the group’s courage and endorsed the show.
Kid Rock, a Trump ally, likened the effort to “David and Goliath,” saying, “Competing with the pro football machine and a global pop superstar is almost impossible … or is it?” He contrasted their approach: “great songs for folks who love America.”
