MAGA Voices Criticize Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Performance

Trump fans and conservative journalists have criticized Bad Bunny’s highly anticipated Super Bowl 60 halftime performance. At Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the Puerto Rican singer performed a Spanish-language set with hits like “Tití Me Preguntó,” “DtMF,” and “EoO.” Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin made unexpected visits, and Bad Bunny honored Latin American, US, and Canadian countries.

Many admirers praised the music and cultural display, but Trump followers instantly disapproved. Trump called the Truth Social performance “absolutely terrible” and “one of the worst, EVER!” He said the performance was unintelligible, rude, and inappropriate for youngsters, and did not reflect American achievement or ingenuity.

Well-known far-right activists agreed. On X, Laura Loomer called the performance “not White enough” because it lacked English translation or white actors. Eric Daugherty of Florida’s Voice called the halftime show “an actual joke,” advising fans to skip it. Conservative critic Benny Johnson called it “Woke, Cringe, Unintelligible, Foreign, Boring, Derivative, Preachy, and Creatively bankrupt,” adding that none of the songs were in English and could not be sung to. Some termed it filthy and satanic, while actor Kevin Sorbo dubbed it the worst halftime show he had ever seen.

Alternative programming accompanied MAGA backlash. An “All-American Halftime Show” was held by conservative Charlie Kirk-founded Turning Point USA instead of Bad Bunny. Rock stars Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett performed. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commends this show’s approachable lyrics and patriotism. Laura Ingraham, Fox News anchor, criticized Bad Bunny and praised Turning Point USA.

Due to his political views, Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl attendance was controversial. The performer recently blasted the Trump administration’s immigration policies, declaring “ICE out” at the Grammys while accepting the album of the year prize for “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” among five other honors. Conservatives and MAGA supporters seem to be reacting more to these political pronouncements.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell believed Bad Bunny’s performance would unite supporters. He said the halftime stage brings people together via creativity and talent. In a previous Apple Music interview, Bad Bunny called his halftime set a “huge party” that showcased his culture without many details.

Known for criticizing MAGA policies, Green Day performed at the Super Bowl. Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong called on ICE agents to quit before the game, relating the performance to US politics.

American cultural and political conflicts were again underlined by the Super Bowl halftime show. For Bad Bunny and his supporters, the show celebrated music, diversity, and Latin culture. Conservative critics and MAGA supporters saw it as a deviation from American principles and event expectations.

Sources:

• Truth Social posts by Donald J. Trump
• X posts by Laura Loomer, Eric Daugherty, Nick Adams
• Public statements by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
• Apple Music interview with Bad Bunny
• Public statements by Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong
• Statements from Turning Point USA representatives and participating artists