Jimmy Kimmel Roasts Donald Trump Over Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Backlash
Late night host mocks former president’s reaction as debate over performance continues
US, Feb 11 : The Super Bowl 2026 may be over, but the conversation surrounding Bad Bunny’s halftime performance is still gaining momentum. After US President Donald Trump criticised the show on Truth Social, late night host Jimmy Kimmel entered the fray, delivering a sharp and humorous rebuttal during his monologue.
Record-Breaking Halftime Show Sparks Debate
Bad Bunny headlined the February 8 halftime show at Levi’s Stadium, making history as the first artist to lead the spectacle almost entirely in Spanish. Featuring high-energy choreography and surprise appearances by global stars, the performance centred on themes of unity and cultural pride.
The closing message “Together, we are America” appeared alongside visuals promoting love over hate. More than 135 million viewers tuned in, with many online calling it one of the most inclusive halftime shows to date.
Trump Calls Performance ‘Terrible’
Despite widespread praise, Trump dismissed the show as “absolutely terrible” and “one of the worst, EVER!” In his post, he argued that the performance failed to reflect American standards of success and creativity, while criticising its Spanish-language elements.
The remarks triggered strong reactions across social media and entertainment circles. Trump had previously expressed scepticism when Bad Bunny was first announced as the halftime headliner, saying he was unfamiliar with the artist and questioning the decision.
Kimmel Fires Back With Satire
Responding the following night, Jimmy Kimmel roasts Trump by reading the president’s comments on air and countering them with pointed jokes. He framed the halftime show as a celebration of culture rather than a source of division, suggesting the backlash revealed more about Trump than the performance itself.
Kimmel also mocked conservative viewers who organised an alternative “All-American” halftime stream, joking that some people seemed unable to handle “eight minutes of Spanish-language music.” He described the outrage as exaggerated and took a swipe at the competing show’s performers.
Highlighting the Irony
The host underscored what he saw as a contradiction: although Trump had threatened to boycott the performance, reports suggested he still watched it from his golf club in West Palm Beach. Kimmel quipped that the former president tuned in simply to confirm his dislike.
He concluded by arguing that the controversy was less about competing artists and more about differing cultural perspectives, dismissing attempts to frame it as a rivalry.
Cultural Moment Extends Beyond the Game
The clash between Trump and Kimmel has kept the halftime show firmly in the spotlight, illustrating how entertainment events increasingly intersect with political and cultural debates. As reactions continue to pour in, the performance remains one of the most talked-about moments of Super Bowl 2026.
