Turning Point USA, the organization founded by Charlie Kirk, has announced its plans to broadcast an alternative Super Bowl half-time show, and people are not happy about it.
The Super Bowl half-time show has secured itself as one of the most iconic live performances in the calendar year.
Even if American football is not your thing, it gives everyone a reason to tune in on Sunday (February 8), which is when the game is scheduled to go ahead this weekend.
The New England Patriots will take on the Seattle Seahawks, and Puerto Rican rapper and singer, Bad Bunny, will grace the stage at half time.
But TPUSA, headed up by Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk who was shot dead on a university campus last September, has announced plans to show an alternative half-time performance.
And it’s safe to say the news has left a sour taste in people’s mouths.
Backlash from the right
There has been some criticism about Bad Bunny potentially performing in Spanish, as he usually does, to an American crowd.
And the President himself has spoken out against the artist, despite him winning Album of the Year at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
During an interview with Newsmax in October 2025, Trump said: “I’ve never heard of him.
“I don’t know who he is. I don’t know why they’re doing it. It’s, like, crazy.”
The Trump administration has received an overwhelming amount of backlash following the brutality of ICE on the streets of America, which has resulted in the deaths of two US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
During his acceptance speech at the Grammy’s last week, alongside many other artists, Bad Bunny spoke out against ICE brutality.
“Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out,” he stated.
But the criticism of the hispanic singer as the Super Bowl halftime performer feels misplaced, since he is, in fact, an American citizen.
Trump states he’s ‘not going’ to the Super Bowl
The President stated that he will not be attending the game on Sunday due to the performers, Bad Bunny and Green Day.
“I’m anti-them,” he said. “I think it’s a terrible choice. All it does is sow hatred. Terrible.”
Spokesperson Davis Ingle added: “President Trump is working hard on behalf of the American people.
“If he did attend the Super Bowl, he would receive a warm welcome because America knows he has done more to help this country than any other president in history.”
But many behind the scenes believe the real reason the President isn’t attending, is to avoid large scale (and rather embarassing) booing.
TPSUA are set to host their own half-time show
The organization announced earlier this week that they would broadcast the ‘All American’ half-time show as an alternative for people to tune into.
And the reaction has been mixed.
One user said: “Y’all are soooo mad about Spanish music being performed it’s HYSTERICAL.”
As another added: “You can’t be a follower of Christ if you have such deep hate for people that don’t sound like you, look like you, or sing like you.
“A true follower of Christ, would mimic his behavior and love ALL people.”
A third outraged user wrote: “Who’s gonna tell them Puerto Rico is part of America.”
Others were happy to see an alternative show, as one said: “Well, this is a superior Super Bowl half-time show!! Thank you to all of these amazing performers!!”
A second wrote: “We’ll be watching THIS as opposed to the cr** the NFL is hosting!!”
Who is performing?
As announced on the TPUSA website, the All American halftime show will include performances from Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice and Gabby Barrett.
Kid Rock is a controversial character, and is frequently outspoken about politics and culture-war issues.
He’s known for his tough, rebellious, blue-collar persona, and blends rock, hip-hop, and country.
But it seems even some long-time supporters of the TPUSA movement are not happy with their line-up.
“I’ll be watching but I am a little disappointed in this lineup. Going to struggle getting Gen Z to care,” one noted.
As another said: “Anyone else disappointed? Honestly your marketing team could have did a better job on this flyer and advertising this event.”
