Former President Donald Trump has publicly criticized the Super Bowl halftime show featuring Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny. Trump, who is known for his strong opinions on cultural events and national identity, described the performance as "absolutely terrible" and an "affront to the greatness of America." This reaction has sparked discussion, particularly as Bad Bunny's show celebrated Latin culture and included a message of unity.
Performance Highlights and Critical Reception
The halftime show, watched by millions, showcased Bad Bunny's artistry with a performance that prominently featured his Puerto Rican heritage and the broader Latin American community. Despite the celebratory nature of the event, which included a diverse array of guest appearances and a symbolic display of the Americas, Donald Trump expressed strong disapproval.

Key elements of the show:
Performance primarily in Spanish, highlighting Latin American culture.
Stage design inspired by traditional Puerto Rican homes and Caribbean landscapes.
Culmination with a message of unity, "Together, we are America."
Inclusion of guest performers and cameos, such as Lady Gaga and Pedro Pascal.
A live wedding ceremony integrated into the performance.
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Trump's criticism focused on several aspects of the show. He stated that "nobody understands a word this guy is saying," and described the dancing as "disgusting." He further characterized the event as a "slap in the face to our country" and "one of the worst ever." These comments were shared on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Political Context and Artist's Stance
Bad Bunny, a vocal critic of Donald Trump's immigration policies, has previously used platforms like the Grammy Awards to express his views, calling for love to overcome hate and advocating for immigration reform. However, during his Super Bowl performance, he largely refrained from delivering direct political messages. Instead, his show emphasized cultural pride and continental unity. This approach contrasted with Trump's interpretation of the event.

Bad Bunny's broader political engagement:
Previously called to remove "ICE out" at the Grammy Awards.
His music often touches on social issues and critiques oppressive systems.
His performance at the Super Bowl focused on cultural celebration rather than overt political statements.
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The choice of Bad Bunny for the halftime show had already drawn criticism from some conservative circles prior to the event. Organizations like Turning Point USA encouraged viewers to change channels during his performance, labeling it the "woke bowl." Trump echoed this sentiment, accusing media outlets of praising the show due to ideological bias.
Public and Media Reactions
While Donald Trump voiced strong opposition, other viewers and media outlets offered differing perspectives. Many fans expressed enthusiasm for the show, praising its artistry and cultural significance. Social media platforms buzzed with positive reactions, highlighting the spectacle and the diversity represented.

Contrasting views:
Trump and some conservatives: Viewed the show as an "affront," "disgusting," and a departure from American standards.
Fans and supporters: Celebrated the show as a historic moment for Latin culture and a powerful message of unity.
Media coverage: Varied, with some reporting Trump's criticisms prominently and others focusing on the artistic and cultural achievements of the performance.
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The performance itself concluded with Bad Bunny holding a football displaying the message "Together, we are America," a phrase that underscored the show's theme of inclusivity.
Expert Analysis and Interpretations
Analysts suggest that Trump's reaction is consistent with his political strategy, which often involves critiquing cultural expressions that diverge from his perceived definition of American values. His comments on language barriers and artistic choices can be seen as a way to mobilize his base and frame certain cultural movements as alien or detrimental to the nation.

"Trump’s reaction is not surprising given his consistent critique of cultural elements he views as outside his nationalist framework. The performance by Bad Bunny, which celebrated Latin identity and inclusivity, directly challenges the narratives that have been central to Trump's political project." - Unnamed Political Analyst, via [Source]
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The emphasis on Spanish language during the performance, while representing millions of Spanish speakers in the U.S., was a point of contention for Trump, who stated, "Nobody understands a word this guy is saying." This highlights a recurring theme in discussions about cultural representation and national identity in the United States.
Conclusion and Unresolved Questions
Donald Trump's strong denunciation of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show has underscored a cultural divide. While Trump framed the performance as an "affront" to American greatness, many others celebrated it as a historic moment for Latin representation and a message of unity. The actual audience numbers for Bad Bunny's performance were not yet finalized at the time of reporting, but the event undeniably generated significant public discourse.
Key findings:
Trump's criticism was immediate and forceful, citing language, dancing, and overall cultural value.
Bad Bunny's show focused on celebrating Latin culture and promoting unity, largely avoiding direct political confrontation.
The event sparked a debate about national identity, cultural representation, and artistic expression in the U.S.
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Further analysis may involve examining the long-term impact of such cultural clashes on political discourse and public opinion. The contrasting interpretations of the Super Bowl halftime show highlight the diverse ways in which Americans engage with and define their national identity.
Sources
The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2026/feb/09/donald-trump-bad-bunny-super-bowl-politics-latest-updates (Published: 7 minutes ago)
Le Figaro: https://www.lefigaro.fr/international/super-bowl-trump-qualifie-le-concert-de-bad-bunny-d-affront-a-la-grandeur-de-l-amerique-20260209 (Published: 6 hours ago)
FranceInfo: https://www.franceinfo.fr/sports/nfl/super-bowl/bad-bunny-fait-le-show-au-super-bowl-avec-un-message-d-unite-donald-trump-critique-un-affront-a-la-grandeur-de-l-amerique7793897.html (Published: 8 hours ago)
Daily Mail: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/nfl/article-15541297/donald-trump-bad-bunny-super-bowl.html (Published: 3 hours ago)
ABC News: https://abcnews.go.com/US/trump-calls-bad-bunnys-super-bowl-halftime-show/story?id=129980124 (Published: 34 minutes ago)
BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c394g7nnzmzo (Published: Published)
La Rep des Pyrénées: https://www.larep.fr/france-monde/sports/super-bowl-bad-bunny-triomphe-donald-trump-fulmine-les-seahawks-remportent-le-match14826893/ (Published: 7 hours ago)
Euronews: https://fr.euronews.com/culture/2026/02/09/super-bowl-trump-voit-dans-la-performance-de-bad-bunny-a-la-mi-temps-un-affront-a-la-grand (Published: 2 hours ago)
CNN Politics: https://edition.cnn.com/2026/02/09/politics/trump-bad-bunny-halftime-super-bowl-hnk (Published: 1 hour ago)
RTL: https://www.rtl.fr/actu/international/personne-ne-comprend-un-mot-de-ce-que-dit-ce-type-donald-trump-attaque-bad-bunny-et-qualifie-son-show-au-super-bowl-d-affront-a-la-grandeur-de-l-amerique-7900598803 (Published: 8 hours ago)
Radio France: https://www.radiofrance.fr/franceinfo/podcasts/les-documents-franceinfo/superbowl-malgre-le-concert-plus-festif-que-politique-de-bad-bunny-donald-trump-multiplie-les-critiques-6218227 (Published: 7 hours ago)
L'Humanité: https://www.humanite.fr/monde/donald-trump/au-super-bowl-bad-bunny-celebre-porto-rico-et-lamerique-latine-un-affront-pour-donald-trump (Published: 4 hours ago)
Le Parisien: https://www.leparisien.fr/sports/ensemble-nous-sommes-lamerique-le-show-tres-politique-de-bad-bunny-lors-du-super-bowl-trump-en-colere-09-02-2026-TG3DWZ5V25D73IJXSZ6A3AXTAA.php (Published: Published)
People: https://www.people.com/super-bowl-2026-trump-lashes-out-bad-bunny-halftime-show-11902396 (Published: 11 hours ago)
Rolling Stone: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-bad-bunny-super-bowl-halftime-show-1235513077/ (Published: 11 hours ago)
HuffPost France: https://www.huffingtonpost.fr/culture/video/personne-ne-comprend-un-mot-de-ce-que-dit-ce-mec-trump-n-a-pas-aime-le-show-de-bad-bunny-au-super-bowl-et-le-fait-savoir260170.html (Published: Published)
The Independent: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-bad-bunny-halftime-show-response-b2916397.html (Published: 3 hours ago)
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