Turning Point halftime show latest: Trump silent on Kid Rock’s MAGA alternative despite Democrats’ taunts

Social media has been abuzz with criticism over TPUSA’s alternate Super Bowl halftime show – which is being staged in opposition to the Levi’s Stadium show headlined by Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny.

The event, which will be streamed live, will feature Kid Rock and three country musicians.

“In other words, 4 nobodies and hasbeens,” one X user wrote. “Kid rock? LOL. Last decent song was 15 years ago.”

“Funny that they could only get washed-up artists to perform,” another user wrote, while another derisively labeled the event “Klanchella.”

Still, others voiced their support for the TPUSA show.

“I am looking forward to Kid Rock who believes in borders and performs in English,” wrote one user.

US defense secretary Pete Hegseth made a pre-recorded video appearance on the YouTube livestream of Turning Point USA’s All-American Halftime Show before the concert began, offering a message to the group and its supporters.

“From the War Department, we salute Turning Point USA and everyone who believes freedom is still worth the fight,” Hegseth said in the video.

“Thank you for your courage as an organization, your clarity and leadership, and for this halftime show the war department is proud to support.”

Country singer Brantley Gilbert defends decision to perform at Turning Point USA’s controversial halftime show

Brantley Gilbert cited his love for America as a reason why he’s performing at Turning Point USA’s All-American Halftime Show, which was organized in protest of the NFL’s 2026 Super Bowl music acts.

“​​I’m a songwriter who grew up, and still lives in Jackson County, Georgia, whose goal in the music business was to sell out the local theater a few miles from my house and somehow make my living writing songs,” he said. “I’m a recovering addict with the history of all the bad choices that come with it. I’m not proud of those choices, but I am proud of the choice I’ve made to live in another direction.”

Conservative podcast host Candace Owens said she wasn’t impressed by either Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance or Turning Point USA’s alternate show featuring Kid Rock.

“I am sorry but I hate both options,” Owens wrote on X to her 7.5 million followers.

“On The one hand, we have a half-time show presented without a word of English spoken,” she wrote. “On the other hand we have an organization that scammed its views by paying platform advertisers, followed by influencers to pretend they broke records.”

“The left vs. right grift is actually boring now,” Owens continued. “What exactly are we doing here, America?”

Kid Rock was caught lip-synching during his Turning Point USA half-time show, held in protest against Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance.

Turning Point USA’s “All-American” Super Bowl show might have been held for “underserved” Americans – but the majority opted to watch Bad Bunny’s half-time performance instead.

Democrats poked fun at President Donald Trump’s post about the Super Bowl halftime show, noting that he appeared to watch Bad Bunny’s performance rather than Kid Rock’s gig at TPUSA’s alternate halftime show.

The Democratic Party’s official X account shared Trump’s post, writing, “Guess he wasn’t watching Kid Rock then.”

Kid Rock’s headline set at Turning Point USA’s All-American Halftime Show prompted discussion on X during and after the livestream, with users sharing clips that they said appeared to show portions of the performance being lip-synced.

Several posts pointed to moments in which the vocals continued at full volume as Rock briefly moved the microphone away from his mouth, fuelling speculation that parts of the set relied on backing tracks or pre-recorded audio.

“I am in tears at how badly Kid Rock is lip syncing,” wrote one user on X, formerly Twitter.

“Kid Rock, bro, I’m embarrassed for you. This was a great opportunity for you. Worst lip syncing I’ve ever seen and I remember Milli Vanilli,” wrote another, referring to the pop duo who were stripped of their Grammy in 1990 after the revelation that they had not sung on their recordings.

Donald Trump publicly criticized Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX halftime performance Sunday night, calling it “absolutely terrible” in a post on Truth Social and questioning its entertainment value.

“The Super Bowl Halftime Show is absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER! It makes no sense, is an affront to the Greatness of America, and doesn’t represent our standards of Success, Creativity, or Excellence,” Trump said on Truth Social approximately 30 minutes after the performance ended.

Trump has said nothing about Turning Point USA’s All-American Halftime Show, which was launched in protest against the NFL’s picks.