President Donald Trump unleashed a scathing critique of Super Bowl LX’s halftime performance on Sunday night, labeling the set by Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny as “absolutely terrible” and “one of the worst, EVER”.
In a lengthy post on Truth Social, the President blasted the 13-minute performance, which was delivered entirely in Spanish, as an “affront to the Greatness of America”. The critique comes amid a deepening political divide over the NFL’s choice of headliner, who has been an outspoken critic of the administration’s immigration policies.
“Anti-Them”: A Night of Rival Halftime Shows
While an estimated 100 million viewers tuned into the official broadcast from Levi’s Stadium, President Trump skipped the game, opting instead to host a private watch party at his Mar-a-Lago resort.
- Cultural Flashpoint: Trump previously signaled his disdain for the lineup, which also featured a pre-game set by Green Day, stating, “I’m anti-them. I think it’s a terrible choice. All it does is sow hatred”.
- Counter-Programming: The conservative organization Turning Point USA launched a competing “All-American Halftime Show” featuring Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, and Lee Brice. Trump’s advisers reportedly indicated he “would much prefer a Kid Rock performance over Bad Bunny”.
- A “Ridiculous” Choice: Trump admitted to being unfamiliar with the 31-year-old Latin Trap king, telling interviewers, “I never heard of him… I don’t know why they’re doing it, it’s like crazy”.
Beyond the Music: The Kickoff Controversy
The President’s social media tirade didn’t stop at the music. He also used the platform to demand that the NFL “immediately replace” its new kickoff rule.
- “Sissy” Rules: Trump has repeatedly ridiculed the reform—which was intended to reduce concussion risks—calling it “unwatchable,” “terrible,” and demeaning to the sport.
- The Mindset: In separate comments, he linked the “mindset” behind the kickoff rules to other grievances, including the Hall of Fame snub of former coach Bill Belichick.
A Historic, If Divisive, Performance
Despite the White House’s condemnation, Bad Bunny’s set was a historic milestone as the first solo male Latin artist to headline the event and the first to perform a set entirely in Spanish. The show featured surprise appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, alongside cameos from Pedro Pascal and Cardi B.
The artist closed his performance with a call for “love over hate,” a message widely interpreted as a response to the administration’s recent immigration enforcement actions.
