On October 18, 1898, Puerto Rico became U.S. territory following the Spanish-American War, and in 1917, its residents gained U.S. citizenship through the Jones-Shafroth Act. Fast forward to February 8, 2026, global star Bad Bunny challenged rampant U.S. nationalism under the Trump administration with a groundbreaking Super Bowl Halftime show, following Kendrick Lamar’s impactful 2024 performance.
Both artists showcased cultural integrity and addressed systemic issues of nationalism and white supremacy, reaching an audience of over 135 million. Bad Bunny’s performance was particularly notable for its defiance against nationalism, emphasizing humanity and compassion.
Instead of directly antagonizing U.S. policies, he expressed unity among the Americas by listing various nations, including Puerto Rico, asserting strength in diversity. This performance, alongside his Grammy win, highlighted Bad Bunny’s star power and influence, suggesting he played a role in redefining what makes America great.
