New York: The Trump campaign has shifted into damage control mode following inflammatory, racist remarks by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at a rally where Donald Trump was the keynote speaker. The remarks, aimed at Puerto Ricans and Latinos, have ignited criticism across the political spectrum.
Comedian's Remarks Trigger Outrage
During the rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Hinchcliffe shocked the crowd with his comments:
“I don’t know if you guys know this, but there’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico.”
The comedian further added, “They love making babies, too, ” followed by an explicit, offensive statement. These remarks quickly drew backlash, with critics accusing Trump’s campaign of promoting divisive rhetoric.
Biden and Latino Leaders React
In a sharp rebuke, President Joe Biden condemned the comments, stating on a campaign call:
“The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters. His demonization of Latinos is unconscionable and un-American.”
Trump distanced himself from the controversy, telling ABC News, "I don’t know him. Someone put him up there." Despite the disavowal, the fallout threatens to derail the campaign's attempt to build momentum before the final election stretch.
Puerto Rican shadow senator Zoraido Buxo defended Trump, emphasizing unity:
“We won’t yield to ignorance or foolishness. Puerto Rico is a beautiful island rooted in family, faith, and conservative values.”
Buxo's statement, delivered in both English and Spanish at a rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania—a key Latino-majority city—aimed to mitigate the damage among Latino voters.
Puerto Rico's Unique Political Status and Impact on Elections
Puerto Rico, a US territory since 1898, has a complex political relationship with the mainland. Although Puerto Ricans are American citizens, they can only vote in US elections if they reside on the mainland, creating a unique dynamic that influences both state and national elections.
With Pennsylvania’s Latino population exceeding 8%, their votes could prove pivotal in the state, where Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are neck-and-neck in the polls.
Marco Rubio, Harris, and Celebrity Support
Republican Senator Marco Rubio, himself of Latino heritage, criticized the remarks on X (formerly Twitter):
"Puerto Rico isn’t garbage—it’s home to fellow American citizens who’ve made enormous contributions to our country.”
Rubio clarified that Hinchcliffe's comments were not aligned with Trump’s campaign, calling the comedian an "insult comic" who strayed from his prepared speech. Campaign insiders revealed that Hinchcliffe had initially included vulgar remarks about Harris, which were removed from his vetted script.
Vice President Harris dismissed the incident as “nonsense” but welcomed the support of Puerto Rican celebrities Jennifer Lopez and Bad Bunny, who criticized the rally’s rhetoric.
Trump’s Campaign Struggles with Inclusivity
Trump, known for controversial remarks targeting various communities, has toned down his rhetoric in recent weeks. At the rally, he emphasized unity, saying:
“We bleed the same blood, share the same hope. We are one people, one family, and one glorious nation under God.”
However, Hinchcliffe’s outburst and additional offensive comments targeting African Americans, Palestinians, and Jewish communities threaten to overshadow Trump’s last-ditch efforts to build a broad coalition.