Trump Says Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Show Was Very Bad

Former President Donald Trump said the Super Bowl halftime show by Bad Bunny was "absolutely terrible." He said it was a "slap in the face to our country." Many people enjoyed the show, which featured Bad Bunny's culture and music in Spanish.
By Newsroom | US Politics, Entertainment |

A Division of Views on a Major Performance

The recent Super Bowl halftime show, headlined by artist Bad Bunny, has sparked a notable public reaction from Donald Trump. His statements have characterized the performance as "absolutely terrible" and a "slap in the face to our country," suggesting a deep disagreement with the artistic choices and cultural expressions presented. This event, meant to be a global spectacle, has become a point of contention, highlighting differing perspectives on what constitutes national pride and artistic merit. The scale of the event and the prominence of both the artist and the critic ensure these differing views will likely persist.

Background of the Performance and Preceding Scrutiny

Bad Bunny's selection as the Super Bowl halftime performer, announced last year, did not immediately pass without scrutiny. Reports indicate a wave of conservative backlash preceded the event. Bad Bunny, a Grammy-winning artist of Puerto Rican heritage, delivered a performance that prominently featured his culture.

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  • The show included elements designed to represent Caribbean landscapes, such as sugar cane fields.

  • It showcased a geographical journey from Chile to Canada, culminating in a tribute to Puerto Rico, his birthplace.

  • The performance was predominantly in Spanish, featuring a collection of his hit songs.

  • During the show, Bad Bunny offered a message of self-belief, translated from Spanish as, "It's because I never, never stopped believing in myself, and you too, you too should believe in yourself."

  • He also held up the Puerto Rican flag alongside the U.S. flag, a gesture noted as significant given Puerto Rico's status as a U.S. territory.

  • The performance concluded with a sign stating, "THE ONLY THING MORE POWERFUL THAN HATE IS LOVE."

  • Notable figures like Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin made surprise appearances.

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Bad Bunny's performance marked a historic moment, being the first predominantly Spanish-language show in the Super Bowl's 60-year history.

Donald Trump's Direct Assessment

Donald Trump articulated his dissatisfaction with the halftime show through posts on his social media platform, Truth Social. His specific criticisms included:

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  • Describing the performance as "absolutely terrible."

  • Calling it a "slap in the face to our country" and an "affront to the Greatness of America."

  • Stating it "doesn’t represent our standards of Success, Creativity, or Excellence."

  • Asserting that "nobody understands a word this guy is saying."

  • Characterizing the dancing as "disgusting," particularly in the context of young viewers.

  • Labeling the show as "one of the worst, EVER."

  • He also predicted that the "Fake News Media" would give it positive reviews, implying a lack of genuine understanding from journalists.

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Trump also brought up the economy in his commentary, a topic he has frequently addressed.

Contrasting Reactions and Interpretations

While Donald Trump expressed strong disapproval, the halftime show garnered positive responses from other segments of the audience.

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  • Reports indicate that many people found the performance enjoyable, including fans at the stadium and at watch parties in Puerto Rico and across the country.

  • Social media buzzed about the artistry on display and the celebrity cameos.

  • The performance was recognized for its cultural specificity, blending reggaeton, Latin trap, and Caribbean rhythms.

However, some conservative groups had openly opposed Bad Bunny's selection, with one non-profit organization, Turning Point USA, hosting a counter-programming event featuring artists friendly with the Trump administration.

Underlying Tensions and Political Undertones

The criticism from Donald Trump and the broader conservative reaction appear linked to Bad Bunny's public stance on certain political issues.

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  • Bad Bunny has been outspoken against the Trump administration's immigration policies.

  • He has previously expressed concerns about potential ICE raids at his concerts, leading him to cancel U.S. tour dates.

  • His halftime performance included a pointed message protesting actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement during a period of nationwide immigration crackdowns.

  • Trump's critique of the performance also came amidst a context where conservative commentators had already been critical of the NFL's decision to select Bad Bunny.

Analysis of Evidence and Discrepancies

The available information presents a clear divergence in how the Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show was perceived. Donald Trump's commentary is consistently negative, focusing on language barriers and perceived vulgarity, while also framing it as un-American.

  • Were the artistic choices, including the use of Spanish and cultural symbols, intentionally divisive or a genuine representation of the artist's identity and message?

  • Did the performance's message of love and self-belief resonate with a wider audience than acknowledged by critics, or was it overshadowed by concerns about its cultural or political context?

  • How did the inclusion of specific political statements, such as the protest against ICE, influence the reception of the performance among different groups?

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The assessment of the performance as "terrible" by Trump stands in stark contrast to the accounts of widespread enjoyment and appreciation for its artistry and cultural significance from other observers. The use of the flags and the overall cultural theme appear to be central points of contention.

Conclusion and Implications

Donald Trump's strong condemnation of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show highlights a clear ideological and cultural divide. His statements, widely disseminated through social media, amplify pre-existing conservative concerns about the artist's cultural messaging and political activism. The performance itself, celebrated by many for its historic nature and artistic merit, became a focal point for these contrasting viewpoints.

The event underscores the power of major cultural platforms like the Super Bowl to become stages for broader societal and political dialogues. The differing reactions suggest a public that is engaged with and vocal about the cultural and political undercurrents present in widely consumed entertainment.

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The continued scrutiny and differing interpretations of Bad Bunny's performance and Donald Trump's reaction indicate ongoing public interest in these themes within the political and cultural landscape.

Sources:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Donald Trump say about the show?
Donald Trump said the show was "absolutely terrible" and a "slap in the face to our country." He also said people could not understand what Bad Bunny was saying.
Q: Did everyone dislike the show?
No, many people enjoyed the show. It was the first Super Bowl halftime show mostly in Spanish and celebrated Bad Bunny's culture.
Q: Why did Trump not like the show?
Trump said the dancing was "disgusting" and that the show did not represent American standards. He also mentioned that Bad Bunny has spoken out against his past policies.
Q: What did Bad Bunny do during the show?
Bad Bunny sang his hit songs, showed images of Caribbean places, and held up the Puerto Rican flag with the U.S. flag. He also said, "THE ONLY THING MORE POWERFUL THAN HATE IS LOVE."