President Donald Trump's administration is witnessing an unfolding controversy involving the Super Bowl halftime performance by Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny. GOP legislators have raised concerns over the explicit content of the show, prompting calls for a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) review and a congressional inquiry into the NFL and NBC's roles in the broadcast.
The performance, which featured Spanish-language lyrics, has come under intense scrutiny as translations began to circulate, suggesting content that some lawmakers argue could breach federal indecency laws. These laws, specifically 47 U.S.C. § 1464, outlaw obscene, indecent, or profane material on public airwaves during times when children are likely to be watching. Over-the-air broadcasts, such as those by NBC, are subject to these FCC rules, with enforcement typically following complaints and subsequent content assessments against Supreme Court precedent.
Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) has been vocal about the issue, stating that he and fellow Republicans are drafting a letter to FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr to seek enforcement actions, including fines and broadcast license reviews. Rep. Fine went as far as to label the halftime show "illegal" and suggested that the use of Spanish should not be a loophole to evade accountability.
Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) has pushed for more than regulatory action, calling for a formal congressional inquiry. In his communication to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Ogles described the show as "pure smut" with sexually explicit lyrics and choreography. He expressed doubts that NFL and NBC executives were unaware of the contents of the performance and has requested an examination of their internal review procedures and use of broadcast delay safeguards.
Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO) compared the performance unfavorably to past Super Bowl controversies and indicated that House Republicans are reviewing additional information regarding the lyrics. Despite parts of the performance being censored, there have been reports from Axios that Bad Bunny did not use the "f-word" during the live broadcast. Nonetheless, critics maintain that the choreography and lyrics, as translated, were inappropriate for a national television event.
The response to the performance has extended beyond the political realm. Donald Trump Jr. weighed in on the situation with a critical post on social media. The controversy has sparked a broader debate on broadcast standards, network oversight, and the limits of prime-time entertainment on public airwaves.
As the story develops, the potential for both regulatory and congressional actions looms over the artist, the NFL, and the broadcasting network, highlighting the ongoing discussion around censorship, artistic expression, and broadcast regulations in the United States.
