‘Puerto Ricans Are American’—Christian Singer Rhett Walker Criticizes TBN for Airing Turning Point USA’s ‘All-American Halftime Show’

Rhett Walker
Rhett Walker (screengrab via Facebook / @Rhett Walker)

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“Bawitdaba or whatever,” he concluded, referencing the title of a song Kid Rock performed during the show. 

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In a subsequent video post on Monday, Walker reflected on the fact that he “definitely struck a chord with people with my post,” as reflected by the comment section of the original post. 

“Having the platform I have, I take responsibility for striking a nerve with people,” he added. “I take responsibility for anything that I post, anything that I share, anything that goes on the internet from my account. I will always take responsibility for it.” 

Walker acknowledged that his post “frustrated a lot of people,” but he said, “That’s fine with me. You are entitled to your opinion.” 

“But I want to respond to that post with this video just to clarify things,” said Walker, “but also just to further the conversation with my brothers and sisters in Christ that disagree with me.” 

Walker emphasized that his criticism of the halftime show was specifically directed toward TBN, saying, “Because it seems like a cash grab.”

“Because [TBN is] a network that’s always been about people preaching—whether you agree with the preachers or not—it’s been about preaching and worship,” said Walker. “And it’s a network you can turn to and you can leave on in your living room and you can walk out, and it don’t matter if a 1-year-old to a 20-year-old walks in.”

“No content is going to be shared on this platform that could be damaging or bad or see something that you really don’t want a kid to see,” Walker said, going on to argue that the network failed in that regard by airing Turning Point USA’s halftime show. Walker expressed that he enjoys the songs that were featured during the show, but he said, “Timing and place and reason behind matter a lot.” 

Walker also took exception to the show being billed as a “real American” show, saying, “That just breeds division, man. Puerto Ricans are American. And if anything, sucks to be Puerto Rican, because you can be drafted, but you don’t get to vote. So where’s the privilege?” 

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Responding to the accusation that he was simply jealous that he wasn’t invited to perform at the show, Walker said, “I wouldn’t have gone—same as Cory [Asbury] and Forrest [Frank]. If I was asked, I would not have done it.”

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Dale Chamberlain
Dale Chamberlain (M.Div.) is a content manager for ChurchLeaders. With experience in pastoral ministry as well as the corporate marketing world, he is also an author and podcaster who is passionate about helping people tackle ancient truths in everyday settings. Dale lives in Southern California with his wife Tamara and their four children.

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