The former president’s criticism of the Spanish-language performance draws sharp contrast with voter concerns over inflation, foreign alliances, and health care.
Former President Donald Trump has turned his fire on the NFL’s Super Bowl halftime show, attacking Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny for delivering a performance largely in Spanish—an intervention that critics say underscores a familiar strategy: cultural grievance over policy substance.
Trump’s remarks, delivered on social media and echoed by conservative commentators, faulted the National Football League for selecting an artist whose global appeal includes Spanish-language music and Latin rhythms. The former president had previously criticized the league’s direction and accused it of drifting away from what he calls “traditional American values.”
Political strategists say the episode reflects a broader pattern. “Cultural flashpoints are effective at mobilizing a base, but they risk alienating persuadable voters who want solutions,” said one Republican consultant who requested anonymity. Polling consistently shows the economy and health care ranking above culture-war issues for independents.
For Bad Bunny, the moment is another reminder of his cross-border reach. The artist has become a global brand, headlining stadium tours and topping charts in both English and Spanish markets—an emblem of the United States’ changing demographics and cultural fluency. The NFL, for its part, has leaned into global audiences as it expands international games and media partnerships.
