United States President Donald Trump was outspoken about how much he disapproved of the NFL’s choice of Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny, whose first language is Spanish, as the Super Bowl LX headline performer for the halftime show.
“I think it’s a terrible choice,” the President said. “All it does is sow hatred. Terrible. ” Trump was so displeased with Bad Bunny’s selection that he didn’t attend the game, after becoming the first sitting US President to attend the Super Bowl last year.
As public as Trump was with his concerns, the NFL stuck with Bad Bunny.
“Bad Bunny represents the global energy and cultural vibrancy that define today’s music scene. As one of the most influential and streamed artists in the world, his unique ability to bridge genres, languages, and audiences makes him an exciting and natural choice to take the Super Bowl halftime stage,” Jon Baker, the SVP of Global Event Production for the NFL, said.
“We know his dynamic performances, creative vision, and deep connection with fans will deliver the kind of unforgettable experience we’ve come to expect from this iconic cultural moment.”
Trump wasn’t the only one who disapproved of the NFL going forward with a Spanish-language halftime show. Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk had the organization put together its own halftime show, headlined by Kid Rock and aimed at a more conservative audience.
However, the viewership for TPUSA’s event paled in comparison to Bad Bunny’s performance, and was even beaten by the Puppy Bowl, which garnered 15.3 million viewers.
According to Tim Hannan, the Puppy Bowl had TPUSA’s show beat in viewers even before the final number of 15.3 million viewers was revealed.
The puppy bowl even outperformed TPUSA with 12M viewers.
— Tim Hannan (@TimHannan) February 9, 2026
Trump himself tuned into Bad Bunny’s performance rather than watch Kid Rock’s show.
However, even with the dissapointing numbers, Kirk’s reaction was a proud one.
“The (TPUSA) All-American Halftime Show was so incredible,” Kirk tweeted. “Charlie would’ve absolutely loved it. Thank you to the millions that tuned in. I’m so proud of our entire team, staff, and the artists who believed in the vision and mission… Ultimately, this is what it’s all about, making Heaven crowded. …I love you Charlie baby, this is all for you.”
Proud as she may be, it’s worth wondering if the poor viewership leads to this being a one-and-done production for TPUSA.