Trump Blasts Bad Bunny Super Bowl Halftime Show as Disgusting and a “Slap in the Face to America”

Former President Donald Trump harshly criticized the Super Bowl LX halftime show headlined by Puerto Rican star Bad Bunny, calling it “absolutely terrible,” “disgusting,” and “one of the worst ever,” in a series of posts on his social media platform. Trump said the performance “made no sense” and was “an affront to the Greatness of America,” claiming that most viewers could not understand the Spanish-language lyrics and that the dancing was inappropriate for children. He dismissed praise for the show from fans and media alike and also weighed in on sports policy by attacking the NFL’s new kickoff rule.

Trump’s reaction came hours after Bad Bunny’s performance at Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, where the Grammy-winning rapper delivered a high-energy show that celebrated Latin culture. The set included a mix of reggaeton, salsa, and trap influences, featured appearances by artists such as Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, and incorporated symbolic elements honoring countries throughout the Americas. Bad Bunny closed the performance with a message of inclusion and unity, carrying a football inscribed with “Together We Are America.”

Lady Gaga made a surprise performance (Picture: Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images)

Ricky Martin also made a moving appearance (Picture: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The halftime show marked a historic moment as the first Super Bowl headlining performance by a predominantly Spanish-language artist. The choice of Bad Bunny drew praise from many fans and cultural commentators, who saw it as a significant milestone for Latino representation on one of the world’s biggest stages. California Governor Gavin Newsom even declared Super Bowl Sunday as “Bad Bunny Day” in recognition of his impact.

However, the performance also deepened cultural and political divisions. Trump and other conservative figures had criticized the NFL’s decision long before the show, with the former president previously calling the selection “absolutely ridiculous.” Some supporters echoed Trump’s dissatisfaction, arguing that the cultural focus and Spanish lyrics did not reflect “traditional” American values.

The general reaction to the show was extremely positive (Picture: Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

In response to the official halftime show, conservative organization Turning Point USA staged an alternative “All-American Halftime Show,” headlined by country artist Kid Rock and featuring other acts aimed at audiences who felt underserved by the NFL’s choice. The counter-programming was broadcast on conservative-leaning networks and drew millions of concurrent viewers online.

The controversy illustrates how the Super Bowl halftime show, once primarily a music entertainment spectacle, has become a flashpoint in broader debates over culture, identity, and politics in the United States.