Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime present on Sunday sparked a political firestorm, drawing criticism from former President Donald Trump and igniting debate over the Puerto Rican artist’s increasingly overt political messaging. The performance, which featured lyrics criticizing U.S. Colonialism in Puerto Rico and a shout-out to every country in the Americas, has been hailed by some as a powerful act of defiance and by others as a divisive political statement on a traditionally apolitical stage.
The show centered around Bad Bunny’s 2025 album, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (“I Should Have Taken More Photos”), and was performed entirely in Spanish. During the performance of “Lo Qué Le Pasó a Hawaii,” he directly addressed U.S. Policy toward Puerto Rico, a U.S. Territory. He followed this with “NUEVAYoL,” a song that celebrates Puerto Rican migrants, and concluded by invoking the names of all nations in the Americas, a gesture described as “Bolivarian” in its scope.
Trump reportedly expressed anger over the show, according to reports following the event. The former president’s displeasure underscores the cultural and political tensions surrounding Bad Bunny’s rise to prominence. The artist’s music frequently touches on themes of Puerto Rican identity, colonialism, and social justice, issues that resonate strongly with Latino communities but often clash with conservative political viewpoints.
Bad Bunny’s political activism extends beyond his Super Bowl performance. In 2025, he was part of a collective, including Residente and iLe, that publicly called for the resignation of Ricardo Rosselló, then the governor of Puerto Rico, following widespread protests over leaked chat logs revealing corruption and mismanagement. He also voiced support for the Black Lives Matter movement with the song “COMPOSITOR DEL AÑO.”
Analysts note that Bad Bunny’s decision to perform exclusively in Spanish at the Super Bowl, a quintessentially American event, was itself a political act. By refusing to conform to expectations of English-language performance, he asserted his cultural identity and challenged the dominance of American cultural norms. This strategy mirrors his broader career trajectory, where he has consistently prioritized Spanish-language music and Puerto Rican cultural expression, achieving global success without altering his artistic vision.
The performance has also prompted discussion about the role of artists as political actors. Some observers argue that Bad Bunny is leveraging his platform to raise awareness about important issues and advocate for social change, while others caution against the politicization of entertainment. The debate reflects a broader trend of artists using their influence to engage in political discourse, particularly in the wake of increased social and political polarization.
The implications of Bad Bunny’s political stance remain to be seen. Democrats, according to a report in POLITICO, are reportedly envious of his ability to mobilize Latino voters. Still, his outspoken views could also alienate some segments of the population and potentially impact his commercial success. The artist’s future actions and the response to them will likely shape his legacy as both a musician and a political figure.
As of February 13, 2026, the NFL has not issued a statement regarding the controversy surrounding Bad Bunny’s halftime show. Spotify reported that Bad Bunny remains the most streamed artist globally on the platform, despite the criticism.
