The recent Super Bowl halftime show has ignited a heated exchange between former President Donald Trump and Puerto Rican reggaeton star Bad Bunny. Trump criticized Bad Bunny’s performance, calling it “one of the worst” he has ever seen, while simultaneously praising other artists featured during the event.
In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump expressed his discontent with Bad Bunny’s performance, claiming it “makes no sense” and is an “affront to the greatness of America.” He added that the performance does not align with American standards of success, creativity, or excellence. Trump’s comments on Bad Bunny’s lyrics also raised eyebrows, as he stated, “Nobody understands a word this guy is saying, and the dancing is disgusting, especially for young children.”
Trump’s remarks came despite his own history with musical performances, particularly his preference for artists like Kid Rock. While Trump did not address Kid Rock’s alternative halftime show, a video from his Super Bowl party revealed that attendees were watching Bad Bunny instead. Later, Trump praised Kid Rock’s performance, stating it evoked “the greatness of America” in a way reminiscent of famed artists like Frank Sinatra.
Trump’s comments did not extend to a pre-game performance by the band Green Day, which included their hits “Good Riddance” and “American Idiot.” Although CNN reported that politically charged lyrics were omitted, the band received no criticism from the former president. Notably, former NFL quarterback Tom Brady was seen smiling during Green Day’s performance, which added an interesting dynamic to the event.
In another political maneuver, House Speaker Mike Johnson and fellow Republicans attempted to redefine a “legislative day.” This change could block a congressional vote designed to end Trump’s tariffs, effectively limiting the House’s ability to act after 15 days of a tariff’s imposition. This move has drawn criticism and raised questions about legislative transparency.
Amid these controversies, discussions regarding federal funding have also surfaced. The Trump administration previously threatened to withdraw $16 billion in funding for a major train tunnel between New York and New Jersey, demanding that Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader, agree to rename Penn Station and Dulles International Airport in Trump’s honor. Schumer humorously countered with an offer of spray paint for the president to use on his own.
Meanwhile, the rivalry extended beyond the stage into transportation issues. Trump threatened to block the opening of a new bridge named after Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe, claiming it would compete unfairly with a U.S. toll bridge. The situation was quickly resolved when Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney inaugurated the “Donald J. Trump-Gordie Howe International Bridge.”
Further complicating the narrative, Howard Lutnick, U.S. Commerce Secretary, recently testified about a 2012 lunch he had with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Epstein’s Caribbean island. Despite claims of distancing himself from Epstein in 2005, documents suggest continued contact, raising ethical questions about Lutnick’s connections.
The Super Bowl festivities have also seen the introduction of health initiatives. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has enlisted boxing legend Mike Tyson for his “Make America Healthy Again Mission,” which promotes healthy eating habits through a campaign featuring Tyson’s image.
Adding to the day’s chaos, the closure of commercial airspace over El Paso, Texas, was reportedly caused by drifting party balloons, initially mistaken for drones. This incident highlights ongoing challenges in air traffic management and security.
As the discussions around Bad Bunny, Trump, and various legislative matters continue, it remains clear that the intersection of entertainment and politics will remain a focal point of public interest.
