A new national poll has delivered a surprising verdict on American cultural representation, indicating that a significant portion of the public views global music superstar Bad Bunny as a better symbol of the United States than its sitting president, Donald Trump. This finding emerges in the wake of Trump's vocal criticism of Bad Bunny's historic, Spanish-language Super Bowl halftime performance, which he labeled as one of the worst ever.
Poll Numbers Show a Cultural Divide
According to the Yahoo/YouGov survey conducted between February 9 and 12, 2026, which involved 1,700 American adults across the political spectrum, 42 percent of respondents selected Bad Bunny when asked who "better represents America." In contrast, 39 percent chose President Donald Trump. This three-point margin highlights a notable cultural and political schism in the nation's perception.
Approval for the Halftime Performance
Despite the backlash from Trump and some conservative circles, the poll found that approximately 44 percent of U.S. adults approved of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show. About 35 percent expressed disapproval, while 21 percent remained uncertain. The performance, which aired last Sunday, drew an audience of over 128 million viewers, making Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, the first halftime headliner to perform primarily in Spanish.
Partisan Reactions to the Artist
The opinion of Bad Bunny is sharply divided along party lines, according to the survey data. Among Democrats, a substantial 78 percent view the Puerto Rican artist favorably. Conversely, only 12 percent of Republicans share this positive sentiment, underscoring the deep political polarization surrounding the event.
The Halftime Show and Conservative Backlash
Bad Bunny's set was a celebration of his heritage and the broader Americas, featuring scenes depicting Puerto Rican life, a display of flags, and even a wedding ceremony. He was joined by surprise guests including Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, performing hits like "Tití Me Preguntó" and "DtMF." A powerful message was displayed on the stadium's large screen: "The only thing more powerful than hate is love."
Upon the announcement that Bad Bunny, an outspoken critic of Trump, would headline the show, many conservatives pushed back. Turning Point USA, a conservative advocacy organization, organized its own "All-American Halftime Show" in protest, headlined by Kid Rock. This alternative event was streamed online simultaneously, attracting an estimated 6.1 million concurrent viewers on YouTube, according to The Athletic.
Trump's Scathing Critique
President Trump slammed Bad Bunny's performance in a Truth Social post, though he did not mention the Turning Point USA event. He wrote, "It makes no sense, is an affront to the Greatness of America, and doesn't represent our standards of Success, Creativity, or Excellence. Nobody understands a word this guy is saying, and the dancing is disgusting, especially for young children that are watching from throughout the U.S.A., and all over the World." The White House has been contacted for further comment on the matter.
This poll and the surrounding controversy reflect broader debates about national identity, cultural representation, and political expression in the United States, set against the backdrop of one of the world's most-watched sporting events.
