Bad Bunny: The Unlikely Challenger to Trump and MAGA

Colbert had his moments. Kimmel landed some punches. Robert De Niro sometimes seemed to be living rent-free in Trump’s head. But when it comes to a celebrity who could best Donald Trump and the MAGA movement at the troll game, no one has quite managed to finish the job. The cultural machine just dodged, deflected, and jujitsued back, often resorting to cancellation or firing those who dared to challenge it. That is, until Bad Bunny came along.

The Trump Reaction

After Bad Bunny’s wildly popular Super Bowl halftime show, Trump flailed in a tweet, declaring it an affront to American greatness. He lamented that no one understood the rapper and criticized the dancing as inappropriate for children. This reaction, however, was a clear sign of defeat. If Trump couldn’t grasp the appeal of Bad Bunny, how could he be a credible judge of success? The truth is, Trump and MAGA have been failing against Bad Bunny for a while, as evidenced by their frantic response to his appearance long before the Super Bowl.

The Strategy of Unflappability

So how did Bad Bunny crack the code that left Trump and MAGA flailing? The answer lies in his approach: unflappability. While others have tried cutting comedy or tit-for-tat bullying, Bad Bunny sidestepped these temptations. Instead, he maintained a cool demeanor, radiating joy even in the face of criticism. In a world filled with rage, his happiness became a powerful weapon. When a powerful figure rants angrily about someone, it raises questions about their own state of mind, shifting the focus away from the happy individual.

A New Kind of Troll

Bad Bunny’s existence alone triggers MAGA supporters. Born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, he raps in Spanish and has become the most streamed artist on Spotify. For a movement that aims to marginalize people like him, his success is a painful reminder of their failure. But Bad Bunny has not just let his success speak for itself; he has actively engaged in a months-long campaign to challenge Trump and MAGA.

His Super Bowl performance was the culmination of this effort. From his SNL appearance to his unapologetic Spanish-language Grammys speech, he has consistently put the onus back on Trump to explain why he’s “bad.” This is a strategic move, as Trump despises being told he doesn’t understand something, especially from someone whose language and appeal he cannot grasp.

Cloaked Political Commentary

Bad Bunny’s approach goes beyond merely challenging Trump’s understanding of Latin culture. He has been dropping political references subtly, making them feel like just another part of his entertainment. This strategy frustrates Trump, who thrives on direct confrontation. During the Super Bowl, Bunny’s performance included a “God Bless America” moment, followed by a list of all the countries in the Americas, a move that would drive the Firster crowd crazy.

His power-line climb during the show was another subtle nod to Puerto Rico’s infrastructure failures, cleverly disguised as a cool stunt. While some viewers saw it as mere entertainment, those in the know recognized it as a protest against the Trump administration’s failure to support Puerto Rico.

Symbolism and Statements

The Puerto Rican flag Bunny waved during his performance was not just a flag; it was the pro-independence light-blue flag, making a statement without overtly making one. This irony is palpable, especially considering Trump’s failed attempts to acquire Greenland. Bunny’s wardrobe choices, too, were laden with political significance, hinting at issues like Hurricane Maria and the undercounting of casualties.

In a bold move, Bad Bunny entered MAGA’s territory—the NFL—and made a statement that resonated with many. Even NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had to offer his support, acknowledging the cultural significance of Bunny’s performance.

The Contrast with MAGA

The stark contrast between Bad Bunny’s joyful celebration and the alternative Turning Point USA Halftime show was striking. While Bunny’s performance was filled with joy, the TPUSA show was steeped in anger and victimhood. The country singer Lee Brice, who performed there, sang about a “real American” experience, invoking a sense of victimhood that felt out of touch with the celebratory spirit of Bunny’s show.

Flipping the Script

Bad Bunny’s success has flipped the script on the narrative that Republicans have long used against Democrats. For years, they portrayed themselves as the fun-loving party while painting Democrats as whiny. Now, Bad Bunny, with his infectious joy and clever trolling, has taken that playful spirit and turned it against them. The very tactics that once worked for the GOP have been co-opted by an anti-ICE Puerto Rican rapper, leaving them scrambling to respond.

The Media Response

The conservative media’s response to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance was telling. Headlines like “Bad Bunny Is Bad” from the Washington Examiner reflect a desperate attempt to undermine his success. Yet, the very fact that such headlines exist shows how effectively Bad Bunny has crafted his campaign.

A New Game

The mistake many celebrities made in the past was trying to beat Trump at his own game. But as Bad Bunny has shown, the key is to play a different game altogether. By exposing the absurdity of Trump’s tactics, he has demonstrated that joy and unflappability can be far more effective than direct confrontation. In a world where bullies often get their way, Bad Bunny excels at winning the battle in a way that resonates with the masses, proving that sometimes, the best response is simply to keep dancing.