Donald Trump Slams Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Show As “Absolutely Terrible”

A Half Time Show That Sparked A Political Firestorm

This year’s Super Bowl halftime show was always expected to be loud, colourful and unapologetically Latin. What no one predicted was that it would ignite yet another round of political drama involving Donald Trump.

Moments after the show aired in California, the US president took to Truth Social to deliver one of his trademark takedowns, calling the performance by Puerto Rican global superstar Bad Bunny “absolutely terrible” and “one of the worst ever”.

Latin Music Takes Centre Stage

Bad Bunny’s set was a big win for Spanish-language music. His 14 minute performance leaned into reggaetón and Caribbean rhythms that have shaped a generation of global pop. He also brought out an eclectic mix of special guests including Lady Gaga, Cardi B, and actress Jessica Alba, creating a moment that celebrated genre blending on one of the world’s biggest stages.

For many fans in South Africa, the lineup felt fresh and reflective of global music culture where language matters less than vibe. Latin artists are increasingly headlining African festivals, and Joburg in particular has seen a strong rise in reggaetón and urbano events.

Trump: “Nobody Understands A Word”

Trump’s frustration seemed to hinge heavily on the Spanish influence of the performance. In his post, he wrote that the show “makes no sense” and that “nobody understands a word this guy is saying”, a comment that reignited long standing tensions between him and the superstar.

Bad Bunny has openly criticised Trump’s immigration stance and aligned himself with Kamala Harris in the run up to the 2024 election. In that context, Trump’s blow up feels less like a critique of choreography and more like another skirmish in a political feud that’s been simmering for years.

A Bigger Political Narrative

This criticism didn’t come out of nowhere. Trump has increasingly used entertainment moments to reinforce his political messaging and remind supporters of his cultural grievances. Only days before, he chastised South African comedian Trevor Noah for jokes he made during the Grammy Awards.

For South Africans familiar with the country’s own intersections of entertainment and politics, this moment has a familiar tone. Celebrity commentary often trickles into national debates, and the Super Bowl clash mirrors how cultural moments can become political battlegrounds.

Why It Matters

Beyond the headlines, the clash highlights the cultural shift happening on global stages. The Super Bowl has traditionally celebrated mainstream American pop, yet this year it showcased a Latin artist performing entirely in Spanish. For many, that marked a sign of cultural evolution. For Trump, it was a sign of cultural loss.

Whether you love or hate Bad Bunny’s music, the conversation speaks to something larger: how identity, language, politics and pop culture collide. And as the US edges further into an election cycle, these collisions are likely to get louder.

{Source:The South African}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com