Trump lashes out at Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance
US President Donald Trump has criticised this year’s Super Bowl halftime show, attacking Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny after the artist delivered a Spanish-language performance that made history and drew global attention.
In posts on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump described the show as “absolutely terrible” and “one of the worst, EVER!”, saying it did not reflect what he called “the Greatness of America.”
A historic performance
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, performed at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Spotify has named the 31-year-old the world’s most-played artist of 2025.
His appearance marked the first time a Super Bowl halftime show was performed entirely in Spanish, a milestone that many viewers and commentators described as culturally significant.
Read also: Real Madrid eye Barcelona star in move likened to Luis Figo transfer
Message of unity
Rather than addressing US politics directly, the performance focused on themes of unity and inclusion. A message displayed on the stadium’s screens read, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”
At another point, Bad Bunny held an American football bearing the phrase “Together, We Are America,” imagery that supporters said underscored a broader message of national togetherness.
Trump’s reaction
Trump did not attend the Super Bowl, later saying the event was “too far away.” His response online was sharply critical. Writing on Truth Social, he complained that audiences “don’t understand a word this guy is saying” and criticised the choreography, calling it inappropriate for children watching in the United States and abroad.
He described the halftime show as “a ‘slap in the face’ to our Country” and said it failed to meet “our standards of Success, Creativity, or Excellence.” In the same posts, Trump also criticised the NFL and urged the league to abandon its new kickoff rule.
Read also: Haaland questions VAR decision after chaotic finish at Anfield
Earlier criticism of performers
The president’s objections predated the game. Speaking to reporters ahead of the Super Bowl, Trump had already dismissed Bad Bunny and pre-game performers Green Day as “terrible choices” for the event.
“I’m anti-them. I think it’s a terrible choice. All it does is sow hatred,” he said.
Super Bowl result
The debate surrounding the halftime show did not affect the outcome on the field. The Seattle Seahawks won Super Bowl LX with a 29–13 victory over the New England Patriots.
Speaking to NBC after the game, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said his team “believed in each other” on the way to the championship.
Read also: The No.10 who ruled Europe: Michel Platini’s peak
Sources: Truth Social, NBC
