The Trump campaign is facing widespread backlash for a derogatory comment about Puerto Rico by MAGA Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe during a Donald Trump rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Sunday night.
Hinchcliffe drew ire when he compared the Caribbean island to “garbage,” stating, “There’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico.”
The remark triggered outrage from both Democrats, moderate Republicans and Puerto Rican celebrities. On the same day, Vice President Kamala Harris announced her plans for Puerto Rico, highlighting the island’s talent and potential.
“Puerto Rico is home to some of the most talented, innovative and ambitious people in our nation,” she said, emphasizing the need for a president who invests in the island’s strengths.
In a show of support for Harris, Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny shared her campaign video with his 45 million Instagram followers, highlighting her criticism of Trump’s response to the island following Hurricane Maria.
“I will never forget what Donald Trump did and what he did not do when Puerto Rico needed a caring and a competent leader,” Harris says in the video.
Actress Jennifer Lopez also endorsed Harris, by reposting the video with emojis of the Puerto Rican flag and a ballot box, signaling she had voted for the Democrat.
Meanwhile, singer Ricky Martin condemned Hinchcliffe’s comments on Instagram, urging his followers to support Harris.
Democrats denounced the comments, with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz calling Hinchcliffe a “jackwad” during a livestream.
“Does anybody remember how [Trump] responded to [hurricane] Maria in Puerto Rico? It was absolutely horrific,” Walz said. “Down there, insulting people. People in Puerto Rico are citizens, they pay taxes, they’re in the military.”
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez expressed her disgust, asserting that such rhetoric reveals a disdain for those with less privilege.
“Super upsetting.” She said: “When you have some a-hole calling Puerto Rico floating garbage, know that that’s what they think about you. That’s what they think about anybody who makes less money than them.”
Several Republican figures condemned Hinchcliffe’s remarks as well. Florida Senator Rick Scott stated, “It’s not funny and it’s not true. Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans!” Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar criticized the joke, asserting that it does not represent GOP values and emphasizing the contributions of Puerto Ricans to the U.S. military.
Several Republican figures also denounced Hinchcliffe’s remarks as well. Florida Senator Rick Scott stated, “It’s not funny and it’s not true. Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans!” Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar criticized the joke, asserting that it does not represent GOP values and emphasizing the contributions of Puerto Ricans to the U.S. military.
In response to the criticism, Hinchcliffe claimed that his joke was taken out of context and defended himself on social media, stating, “These people have no sense of humor.”
