On Sunday, Donald Trump held a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. The event drew significant attention due to racially charged and misogynistic jokes delivered by speakers preceding Trump. Among those speakers, comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made remarks that are facing criticism, including referring to Puerto Rico as “a floating island of garbage” and making comments about Latinos and immigrants.
Trump’s campaign has distanced itself from Hinchcliffe’s jokes, stating that they do not represent Trump’s views. Hinchcliffe, on his part, expressed his fondness for Puerto Rico, noting that he vacations there.
Following the rally, prominent Puerto Rican figures such as Bad Bunny, Jennifer Lopez, and Ricky Martin voiced their support for Vice President Kamala Harris, sharing her plans for Puerto Rico on social media. Puerto Rican lawmakers, particularly in Florida, also expressed their dismay over the comments.
The remarks have sparked discussions about the impact on Latino voters, especially in key swing states like Pennsylvania, which hosts a significant Puerto Rican population. Julio Vaqueiro, host of “Noticias Telemundo,” highlighted the critical role of Latino voters in the upcoming 2024 election, citing their potential influence in states such as Arizona, Nevada, and Pennsylvania.
In response to the controversial statements, the Trump campaign has been working to clarify their stance. Analysts note the delicacy of the situation given the importance of Latino voters in the election, emphasizing the need to engage this diverse and significant demographic to secure electoral success.