Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show Highlights Importance of Latino Voters

Former Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell says the performance was a 'statement of what the Hispanic community, the Puerto Rican community, represents to this country'.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

President Donald Trump criticized Bad Bunny's Spanish-language Super Bowl halftime performance as a 'slap in the face' to the United States, but for many Latino voters, the show was a powerful reminder of their significant role in American society. Former Florida Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell and other Latino leaders say the performance showcased Latino culture and neighborhoods within the US, including Puerto Rico, and served as an 'educational piece' about the Latino community.

Why it matters

The Latino vote has become increasingly important in US elections, with Trump winning 48% of the Latino vote in 2024, a 12-point increase from 2020. However, his immigration policies have begun to reverse that trend, as Latinos are now more focused on issues of respect and security rather than just the economy. The Bad Bunny performance highlighted the diversity and influence of the Latino community in the US.

The details

Bad Bunny, the 31-year-old Puerto Rican performer, sang entirely in Spanish during the Super Bowl halftime show, showcasing Latino neighborhoods and culture within the United States. The performance drew backlash from the US right, with Trump calling it 'an affront to the Greatness of America'. However, Latino leaders like Mucarsel-Powell saw it as a powerful statement about the importance of the Latino community in the US.

  • Bad Bunny performed at the Super Bowl halftime show on February 10, 2026.
  • Trump criticized the performance on his Truth Social platform shortly after the show.

The players

Bad Bunny

A 31-year-old Puerto Rican performer who headlined the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, singing entirely in Spanish and showcasing Latino culture.

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell

A former Florida congresswoman who was born in Ecuador and is now the head of George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management.

Donald Trump

The former US president who criticized Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance as a 'slap in the face' to the United States.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“What Bad Bunny was able to do in the largest stage in American media was make a statement of what the Hispanic community, the Puerto Rican community, represents to this country.”

— Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, Former Florida Congresswoman (AFP)

“He was presenting the culture of Latino Americans who live in his country and embracing the language not as a form of protest, but in some ways as an educational piece that Latinos who speak Spanish don't pose a threat.”

— Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, Former Florida Congresswoman (AFP)

“It gives strength to those Latinos who can no longer cope with everything that is happening.”

— Martina Grifaldo, Leader of the International Latino Alliance in Houston, Texas (AFP)

What’s next

The Latino vote will continue to be a key factor in the 2028 presidential election, as the community's concerns around respect, security, and immigration policies become increasingly important.

The takeaway

Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show served as a powerful reminder of the significant role that Latino voters play in US politics and society, despite ongoing challenges and discrimination. The performance highlighted the diversity and influence of the Latino community, which will likely continue to be a crucial swing vote in future elections.