By Smartencyclopedia with Agencies
Image: Tony Hinchcliffe speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
By Smartencyclopedia with Agencies
New York, NY — Former President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign took a sharp turn toward controversy after comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, appearing at a Trump rally at Madison Square Garden, referred to Puerto Rico as “a floating island of garbage.” The remark delivered to a crowd of Trump supporters, has drawn swift condemnation from prominent figures, including Puerto Rican celebrities and U.S. lawmakers.
While Trump’s campaign has attempted to distance itself from Hinchcliffe’s comments, many see the comedian’s remarks as emblematic of Trump’s strained relationship with Puerto Rico. From tossing paper towels to Hurricane Maria survivors in 2017 to opposing relief funds for the island, Trump has frequently faced criticism for his approach to Puerto Rican issues.
Hinchcliffe’s Remarks and Campaign Response
“There’s a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico,” Hinchcliffe said on stage, then made disparaging remarks about various communities, including Latinos, Black Americans, and Palestinians.
Responding to the backlash, Trump’s senior campaign advisor issued a statement, “These jokes do not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign.” Meanwhile, Trump’s national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, responded curtly to the controversy, saying, “You do know he’s a COMEDIAN, and these are JOKES, right????”
Outrage from Public Figures and Puerto Rican Community
Prominent Puerto Rican voices were quick to respond. Superstar singer Bad Bunny posted a clip on Instagram endorsing Democratic vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris, highlighting her condemnation of Trump’s past handling of Hurricane Maria. Jennifer Lopez, whose parents are Puerto Rican, shared the Harris video to her social media, adding a Puerto Rican flag and clapping emojis in solidarity.
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, whose family is Puerto Rican, criticized Hinchcliffe’s comments as deeply harmful. “When someone calls Puerto Rico ‘floating garbage,’ that’s how they view anyone who serves them, anyone who works to make their lives easier,” she stated. The Hispanic Federation’s president, Frankie Miranda, expressed similar sentiments, noting, “This rhetoric is setting a dangerous precedent, especially during a campaign rally so close to Election Day.”
Harris/Walz Campaign Response
Democratic vice-presidential candidate Gov. Tim Walz called Hinchcliffe’s remarks “an insult to Puerto Ricans, who are U.S. citizens and serve in the military at almost a higher rate than anybody else.” Kamala Harris also emphasized the importance of recognizing Puerto Ricans’ contributions to the U.S. and vowed to address Puerto Rico’s needs directly.
As Election Day approaches, this incident is a reminder of the deep-seated issues between the Trump campaign and Puerto Rican Americans. While Puerto Rico residents cannot vote in the presidential election, the episode has amplified support for candidates who prioritize Puerto Rican interests, casting a new light on Trump’s rhetoric and campaign platform.