The Halftime War: Jake Paul, AOC, and the Battle Over Bad Bunny’s “American” Identity

The 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, headlined by global sensation Bad Bunny, was designed to be a celebration of Latin culture on the world’s biggest stage. Instead, it ignited a fierce cultural and political firestorm that pitted influencer Jake Paul against his own brother, Logan Paul, and drew a sharp, viral "roast" from Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

At the heart of the conflict: a debate over what it truly means to be "American."

The "fake American" label immediately backfired. Critics were quick to point out that Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917. Furthermore, many called out the irony of Paul’s statement: Jake and his brother Logan moved to Puerto Rico in 2021 specifically to utilize the island's tax incentives, leading to accusations that he was a "tax-evading guest" insulting his host nation's most famous son.

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), who is of Puerto Rican descent, didn't just defend the show—she reclaimed the narrative. AOC leaned into the fact that she shares a surname with the performer (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio), turning the moment into a celebration of heritage.

• The Viral Jersey: AOC posted a photo on BlueSky of Bad Bunny wearing an "Ocasio 64" football jersey, captioned: "Ocasio gang rise up."

• The "Real American" Rebuttal: Responding to the "fake American" narrative, AOC and her supporters highlighted that Puerto Rican identity is a fundamental part of the American fabric. Her posts effectively framed Paul’s comments as not just "racist," but scientifically and historically illiterate.

By the time the show ended, "Ocasio Gang" was trending, and AOC’s office was flooded with praise for standing up to what many viewed as xenophobic gatekeeping of American identity.

In a move that surprised many, Logan Paul publicly broke ranks with his younger brother. While Logan had previously expressed he wasn't "excited" for the show during a red carpet interview, he drew a firm line at Jake’s questioning of Puerto Rican citizenship.

Logan quote-tweeted Jake's boycott call with a direct correction:

“I love my brother but I don't agree with this. Puerto Ricans are Americans & I'm happy they were given the opportunity to showcase the talent that comes from the island.”

The public disagreement highlighted the brothers' differing approaches to their new home. While Jake has aligned himself with more conservative, nationalist rhetoric (recently appearing with J.D. Vance at the Olympics), Logan appears more conscious of the backlash that comes from disparaging the island where they currently reside and conduct business.

Despite the noise—which included a competing "All-American" halftime show organized by Turning Point USA featuring Kid Rock—Bad Bunny’s performance was a ratings juggernaut. He ended the set with a powerful visual: the Puerto Rican flag illuminated by fireworks and a message on the jumbotron that served as the final word on the weekend's drama:

"The only thing more powerful than hate is love."

As the dust settles, the "Bad Bunny Super Bowl" will likely be remembered less for the music and more for the moment the Paul brothers' family drama collided with the highest levels of U.S. politics.