Bad Bunny Super Bowl 2026 Halftime Show Sparks Backlash and Trump Fury Over Spanish Performance
The Super Bowl LX halftime show this year really stirred up a lot of feelings. Bad Bunny, the massive Puerto Rican star, took the stage at Levi’s Stadium during the game between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, and it turned into one of the most talked-about—and divisive—performances in recent memory.
Bad Bunny delivered a high-energy set that celebrated his Puerto Rican roots, blending reggaeton and Latin trap vibes with colorful dancers and a real party atmosphere. He opened with tracks like “Tití Me Preguntó” and “Yo Perreo Sola,” and the crowd went wild. What made it historic was that it was largely performed in Spanish—the first time a Super Bowl halftime show went that route as the main act. He even brought out some big surprise guests, including Lady Gaga (who sang “Die With a Smile”) and Ricky Martin, adding extra star power and cross-genre moments.
One thing that stood out was Bad Bunny’s outfit—he rocked a custom jersey with “Ocasio 64” on it, nodding to his real last name (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) and possibly referencing deeper Puerto Rican themes, like the Hurricane Maria aftermath.
But not everyone was on board. The show drew heavy criticism, especially from conservative circles. President Donald Trump went off on Truth Social, calling it “one of the worst ever,” saying it made no sense, was an “affront to the Greatness of America,” and that “nobody understands a word this guy is saying.” He also slammed the dancing as “disgusting” for kids watching and tied it into broader gripes about the country and even the NFL’s kickoff rules.
A lot of the backlash centered on the fact that almost the entire performance was in Spanish, with some folks connecting it to ongoing debates about immigration, deportations, and ICE. Conservative influencers piled on, and even some in government circles chimed in. At the end, the stadium screen flashed a message: “The Only Thing More Powerful Than Hate is Love,” which some saw as a subtle political statement.
On the flip side, plenty of people loved it. Fans praised the cultural representation and energy, and stars like former NFL player JJ Watt and Knicks guard Jalen Brunson gave it shoutouts. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had defended the choice beforehand, calling Bad Bunny one of the world’s great artists who could use the platform to unite people through creativity.
Interestingly, there was an alternative “All-American” halftime show streamed by Turning Point USA, headlined by Kid Rock and featuring folks like Eric Dickerson, Brett Favre, and Sage Steele. Some reports said the White House press secretary mentioned the president preferred that vibe over Bad Bunny’s.
In the end, the performance highlighted how music and culture at something as big as the Super Bowl can bring joy to millions while sparking real division—especially in today’s charged climate. Whether you danced along or switched over to something else, it definitely left an impression.
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