Trump Criticizes Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show – Fans Notice One Big Detail
Former President Donald Trump criticized Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show, deeming it one of the worst ever. However, many pointed out an irony in his remarks.
Halftime Show Controversy
While the Seattle Seahawks beat the New England Patriots 29–13 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, much of the public discussion centered on the halftime shows. For the first time, viewers had two choices: the NFL's official show with Bad Bunny and a conservative counter-program called the "All-American Halftime Show," featuring Kid Rock and other artists.
Bad Bunny, also known as Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, became the first male Latin artist to headline and perform entirely in Spanish at the Super Bowl. His show included appearances by Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, Pedro Pascal, Cardi B, Karol G, and Jessica Alba, featuring hits like “Tití Me Preguntó,” “MONACO,” and “BAILE INoLVIDABLE.”
Cultural Impact
Many praised Bad Bunny's performance for its milestone in Latin representation on a major American platform. California Governor Gavin Newsom even declared February 8 “Bad Bunny Day,” and celebrities like Katy Perry lauded the show's cultural significance.
On the other hand, Turning Point USA's alternative show, emphasizing "faith, family, and freedom," attracted about four million YouTube viewers — significantly fewer than the NFL's usual audience. It faced online criticism, including allegations of lip-syncing and controversies tied to Kid Rock's past.
Trump, hosting a Super Bowl watch party at Mar-a-Lago, criticized the halftime show as "terrible" and "an affront to the Greatness of America." His remarks sparked discussions online as he was seen watching and commenting on the mainstream show, despite having the conservative option available.
This contradiction led to social media users mocking Trump for criticizing Bad Bunny while watching the mainstream show he claimed to oppose. Critics highlighted the irony of his actions despite the availability of an ideologically aligned alternative.