Footage circulating on social media has sparked discussion after showing President Donald Trump attending a Super Bowl watch party while the NFL’s official halftime performance appeared on screens behind him, despite his public criticism of the artist involved.
The short clip, posted online Sunday night, shows Trump seated at a table during a Super Bowl 2026 gathering in Palm Beach, Florida. Televisions in the background appear to be airing Bad Bunny’s halftime show, including a segment of the performer singing one of his recent hits alongside a group of dancers.
It remains unclear whether the alternative halftime event promoted by conservative group Turning Point USA was also shown at the gathering. That event, branded the “All-American Halftime Show” and headlined by Kid Rock, was streamed online during the same halftime window as the NFL broadcast.
Turning Point USA had announced plans months earlier to stage its own program as an alternative to the league’s show. The organization said the event featured multiple country and rock artists in addition to Kid Rock. There has been no confirmation that Trump watched or commented publicly on that performance during the party.
Just days before the game, the White House press secretary suggested the president would have preferred the Turning Point show over the NFL’s selection. Trump himself has repeatedly criticized the league’s choice of halftime performers.
After the halftime broadcast concluded Sunday, Trump posted a lengthy statement on his social media platform sharply criticizing the NFL show. In the post, he described the performance as inappropriate and unrepresentative of American values, while also criticizing unrelated league rules.
The halftime performance itself centered on themes of unity and cultural pride, closing with imagery and messages emphasizing love over division and highlighting countries across the Americas, including Puerto Rico and the United States.
Trump had previously told reporters he did not plan to attend the Super Bowl in person, citing distance and scheduling considerations. He also reiterated earlier objections to the musical acts selected for the game’s entertainment.
