Bulwark Takes

Tim Miller: MAGA’s Bad Bunny Freakout Means They're Losing Control

Sep 30, 2025
Tim Miller, a political commentator and co-founder of The Bulwark, dives into MAGA's backlash against Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance. He argues that this reaction reflects MAGA's struggle for cultural dominance and rising frustration within their base. Miller shares his experience at a Bad Bunny concert, showcasing how diverse pop culture resonates beyond political bubbles. He further discusses the NFL's choice to prioritize global appeal and analyzes the fractures within the MAGA coalition, highlighting a shift in cultural influence.
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INSIGHT

MAGA Expected Cultural Hegemony

  • Tim Miller says MAGA expected Trump's political win to translate into cultural dominance but that expectation is failing.
  • That cultural pushback is a useful counterweight to Trump's political influence.
ANECDOTE

Attending A Bad Bunny Concert

  • Tim Miller recounts attending a Bad Bunny show in New Orleans to step outside his cultural bubble.
  • He describes the concert as a distinct cultural experience where the audience felt different from his usual circles.
INSIGHT

NFL Chose Global Appeal Over Politics

  • Miller argues the NFL wasn't making a political choice but a business decision to expand globally by picking a worldwide superstar.
  • He suggests the league prioritized global appeal over catering to Trump's cultural base.
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