Puerto Rican global superstar Bad Bunny is viewed by some Americans as a stronger representation of the country than Donald Trump, according to a new Yahoo News/YouGov poll released following the artist’s Super Bowl LX halftime performance.
The survey comes amid heightened political backlash from conservative figures who criticized the Spanish-language show, which took place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Poll Highlights Political Divide
When asked who better represents America, 42% of respondents chose Bad Bunny, compared to 39% for Trump, while 20% said they were unsure.
The poll surveyed 1,704 U.S. adults between February 9 and February 12, 2026, with a margin of error of approximately 3 percentage points.
Political affiliation strongly influenced opinions:
- Democrats: 78% favorable toward Bad Bunny, 7% unfavorable
- Republicans: 12% favorable, 70% unfavorable
- Independents: 46% chose Bad Bunny compared to 27% for Trump on the representation question
Message of Unity Resonates With Viewers
The poll also found that 60% of respondents approved of the closing message of the halftime performance, during which the artist said “God Bless America” before naming countries across North, Central, and South America. A screen behind him displayed the phrase: “The Only Thing More Powerful Than Hate Is Love.”
Sixteen percent disapproved, while 24% said they were unsure.
According to Nielsen ratings, the halftime show averaged approximately 128.2 million viewers between 8:15 and 8:30 p.m. ET, underscoring the performance’s massive reach.
Political Reactions Intensify Debate
Trump sharply criticized the performance on social media, calling it “one of the worst” halftime shows ever and arguing that it did not reflect American values.
Meanwhile, Florida Republican Representative Randy Fine sparked further controversy after posting comments on social media referencing deportation, despite Bad Bunny being a U.S. citizen by birth in Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory.
Political scientist D. Stephen Voss of the University of Kentucky noted that American public opinion on immigration often contains contradictions, with voters simultaneously supporting stricter policies while celebrating immigrant heritage.
Cultural Impact Beyond Entertainment
The controversy highlights broader national conversations about identity, language, and representation in mainstream American culture. As one of the most influential Latin artists in the world, Bad Bunny’s prominence on one of television’s largest stages reflects the growing cultural and political visibility of Latino communities in the United States.
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