Trump's Mar-a-Lago Hosts Controversial 'Hispanic Prosperity Gala'

Event Blends Spanish-Language Performances and Political Imagery Amid Cultural Tensions

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort hosted the Hispanic Prosperity Gala on February 10, 2026, an event that featured Spanish-language performances, an AI-generated video depicting Trump dancing with authoritarian leaders, and a mix of global leaders, entrepreneurs, and figures aligned with the 'MAGA' movement. The gala took place amid ongoing tensions surrounding the use of Spanish and Latino cultural elements in mainstream American events, as well as a nationwide immigration deportation campaign.

Why it matters

The Hispanic Prosperity Gala highlights the complex relationship between Trump and the Latino electorate, as the former president seeks to court Latino voters while also expressing reservations about the prominence of Spanish and Latino cultural elements in American events. The event also underscores the political and cultural tensions surrounding the use of Spanish language and Latino cultural representations in mainstream American settings.

The details

The gala, hosted in partnership between Latino Wall Street and the America First Policy Institute, featured a range of speakers and attendees, including Argentine President Javier Milei, UFC champion Jorge Masvidal, former Miss Puerto Rico Joyce Giraud, Latin Grammy winner Nacho, and Trump allies like Roger Stone, Rudy Giuliani, and Mike Flynn. A central element of the event was an AI-generated video showing Trump dancing to a Venezuelan song and alongside authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping.

  • The Hispanic Prosperity Gala was held on February 10, 2026.
  • The event took place just days after Trump criticized Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny's Spanish-language performance during the Super Bowl halftime show.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States and host of the Hispanic Prosperity Gala.

Bad Bunny

The Puerto Rican superstar whose Super Bowl halftime show performance was criticized by Trump.

Javier Milei

The Argentine president who delivered the keynote address at the gala and was praised by Trump.

Vladimir Putin

The Russian president featured in the AI-generated video.

Xi Jinping

The Chinese president also depicted in the AI-generated video.

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What they’re saying

“The Super Bowl Halftime Show is absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER! It makes no sense, is an affront to the Greatness of America, and doesn't represent our standards of Success, Creativity, or Excellence.”

— Donald Trump (Social Media)

What’s next

The timing of the gala coincided with a period of economic optimism, as the Dow Jones industrial average crossed the 50,000-point mark on February 6, 2026, and surveys indicated increased confidence in economic prospects among Americans. However, this positive economic news was tempered by the ongoing immigration deportation campaign, which has sparked controversy and soured public opinion towards the Trump administration for some.

The takeaway

The Hispanic Prosperity Gala at Mar-a-Lago is likely to continue fueling discussions about the role of Spanish language and Latino culture in American society, as well as the complex relationship between Trump and the Latino electorate. The event underscores the former president's efforts to court Latino voters while simultaneously expressing reservations about the prominence of Spanish and Latino cultural elements in mainstream American events, alongside his engagement with authoritarian leaders.