By Trendsetter Tribune 
Following a high-energy performance at Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny finds himself at the center of a intense national conversation. While many lauded the show as a vibrant, historic celebration of Caribbean culture, it has drawn sharp criticism from President Donald Trump and his MAGA movement.+1
The Performance: “Together, We Are America”
Performing at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) delivered a 13-minute set that transformed the field into a lush Puerto Rican landscape complete with palm trees, sugar cane, and local bodegas.
- Surprise Guests: The show featured major cameos from Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, Cardi B, and Karol G.
- The Message: Despite his recent “ICE out” comment at the Grammys, Bad Bunny avoided direct political attacks during the halftime show. Instead, he ended the set by spiking a football that read “Together, we are America” while marching alongside a procession of flags from across the Americas.+1
- Historic Milestone: This was the first Super Bowl halftime show to be performed almost entirely in Spanish, a move the NFL and sponsor Apple Music framed as a bridge to a growing global and Latino fanbase.
The “MAGA” Backlash
The response from the White House and its allies was swift and severe. President Trump took to Truth Social shortly after the game to air his grievances, calling the performance “absolutely terrible” and “a slap in the face to our country.”
“Nobody understands a word this guy is saying… It makes no sense, is an affront to the Greatness of America, and doesn’t represent our standards of Success, Creativity, or Excellence.” — President Donald J. Trump
Other figures echoed this sentiment:
- Nick Adams: Questioned if a single word of English was spoken and called the show an “abomination.”
- Laura Loomer: Criticized the lack of “whiteness” in the show and suggested the performance was proof of “immigrants ruining everything.”
- Jake Paul: Urged followers to turn off the broadcast, calling Bad Bunny a “fake American citizen”—a comment that drew instant correction from many (including AOC) who noted that Puerto Ricans are indeed U.S. citizens.
The Alternative: Turning Point USA’s “All-American” Show
Anticipating the controversy, Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA hosted a rival “All-American Halftime Show” as counter-programming.
- Headliner: Longtime Trump ally Kid Rock performed a set of patriotic anthems.
- Support: The event drew public praise from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and House Speaker Mike Johnson, who framed the Kid Rock show as a return to “traditional American values.”
Legacy of the Show
Despite the polarized reception, early data suggests the show was a massive streaming success. Following the performance, Bad Bunny held the top 6 spots on the U.S. Spotify chart. While critics view the show as an act of “resistance,” supporters like California Governor Gavin Newsom (who declared Feb. 8 “Bad Bunny Day”) viewed it as a long-overdue recognition of the American Latino experience.+1