Trump Responds To Bad Bunny Halftime Show, Says It Was ‘Absolutely Terrible’
President Donald Trump didn’t hold back after watching Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance, calling it “absolutely terrible” and “one of the worst, ever.” Trump took aim at nearly every aspect of the show, criticizing the music, language, and choreography as failing to reflect American values.
“The Super Bowl Halftime Show is absolutely terrible, one of the worst, ever,” Trump said. “It makes no sense, is an affront to the Greatness of America, and doesn’t represent our standards of success, creativity or excellence.”
Trump mocked the fact that the performance was entirely in Spanish, claiming that “nobody understands a word this guy is saying.” He also took issue with the suggestive dancing, calling it “disgusting” and inappropriate for children watching across the country and around the world.
The president linked the halftime show to a broader cultural decline, saying it stood in contrast to the record-setting economy, strong 401(k)s, and national achievements under his administration. “This show is just a slap in the face to our country,” Trump said. “There is nothing inspirational about this mess of a halftime show, and watch — it will get great reviews from the fake news media because they haven’t got a clue what is going on in the real world.”
Trump also briefly turned his criticism toward the NFL, saying it should “immediately replace its ridiculous new kickoff rule.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the decision to feature Bad Bunny ahead of the game, calling him “one of the great artists in the world” and saying the halftime show is designed to bring people together.
The performance was not without controversy leading up to the game. Bad Bunny had recently made headlines at the Grammys, where he declared “ICE out” and called on viewers to reject hate. “We are humans, and we are Americans,” he said during his acceptance speech, pushing back against Trump-era immigration policies.
In response to the NFL’s choice, Turning Point USA launched its own competing halftime event: the “All American Halftime Show.” Their alternative broadcast featured Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett, and drew millions of viewers who sought out a more traditional celebration of American music and values.