AOC Mocks GOP Outrage Over Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Show

The progressive Democrat razzed the president and Republicans amid fury over the Puerto Rican superstar's Spanish-language set.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) ridiculed Republicans having a fit over Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance, pointing out the irony of their criticism over the Spanish-language set when they often struggle to understand President Trump. Ocasio-Cortez also defended Bad Bunny's show, saying it was "incredibly inspiring and fun and joyful" for Puerto Rican Americans like herself.

Why it matters

The controversy over Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance highlights ongoing tensions around language, culture, and representation in American politics and media. As a prominent Latina politician, Ocasio-Cortez's response provides insight into how some progressives view these debates.

The details

Much of the GOP outrage focused on sexually explicit lyrics in Bad Bunny's song "Safarea," but those verses were not actually included in the Super Bowl set. Additionally, any suggestive lyrics that were performed were bleeped during the broadcast. Ocasio-Cortez argued the performance was "incredibly inspiring and fun and joyful" for Puerto Rican Americans like herself.

  • Bad Bunny performed at the Super Bowl halftime show on February 10, 2026.
  • Ocasio-Cortez commented on the controversy on February 11, 2026.

The players

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

A Democratic Congresswoman representing New York's 14th district and a prominent progressive voice.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States whose comments about not understanding Bad Bunny's Spanish-language performance were criticized by Ocasio-Cortez.

Randy Fine

A Republican Congressman from Arizona who plans to ask the FCC to investigate the "pornographic filth" in Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance.

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican superstar musician who performed during the Super Bowl halftime show.

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What they’re saying

“I barely know what Trump's saying half the time, so I feel him.”

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Congresswoman (Nicholas A Ballasy)

“I thought they didn't understand what he was saying!”

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Congresswoman (Nicholas A Ballasy)

The takeaway

Ocasio-Cortez's response highlights the cultural and linguistic divides that often underlie political debates in the US, and how prominent Latino/a politicians are navigating these complex issues of representation and identity.