Bad Bunny has increasingly found himself at the center of conservative criticism, particularly as his visibility on major American stages has grown. What began as cultural pushback has now turned into overt political commentary from prominent right-wing figures.
That tension reached a peak following Super Bowl LX, when former President Donald Trump publicly lashed out at Bad Bunny’s halftime performance. In a social media post, Trump labeled the show “absolutely terrible” and claimed it ranked among the worst halftime performances in Super Bowl history. He described it as a “slap in the face” to the country, arguing it failed to represent American values or standards.
Trump complained about the Spanish-language lyrics, criticized the choreography, and suggested the show was inappropriate for children watching at home. His reaction fueled wider discussions in the media, including reports about furious Super Bowl fans and chaotic moments during the halftime show.
The Grammy-winning Puerto Rican artist, however, appeared unfazed. Performing at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, California, Bad Bunny delivered a halftime show that centered unapologetically on Latin American and Caribbean identity. His set was performed largely in Spanish and embraced cultural symbolism that resonated strongly with many viewers. Early in the performance, he addressed the audience with a message of self-belief, which was widely discussed in media coverage like his candid Super Bowl statement.
Visually, the performance took audiences on a journey across the Americas, beginning in South America and moving northward before ending in Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny’s birthplace. The stage design leaned heavily into Caribbean imagery, including sugarcane fields and a traditional shaved ice stand known as a piragua, grounding the spectacle in authentic culture rather than political messaging.
Musically, the set featured hits such as “BAILE INoLVIDABLE” and “NUEVAYoL,” performed in front of a market-style set labeled “La Marqueta.” One of the most memorable moments came when Bad Bunny handed a Grammy Award to a young boy on stage, symbolizing opportunity and inspiration.
The performance concluded with fireworks during “DtMF,” followed by guest appearances from Lady Gaga performing a salsa-inspired version of “Die With a Smile” and Latin music icon Ricky Martin. Despite criticism from Trump and other conservatives, the halftime show marked one of the most culturally distinctive performances in Super Bowl history, celebrating Latin music, language, and identity on a global stage.
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