Comedian’s Remarks on Puerto Rico Spark Backlash at Trump Rally

Tony Hinchcliffe’s comments draw criticism from prominent figures, fueling election tensions and sparking debate over respect for Puerto Rican communities.

During a Donald Trump rally at New York’s Madison Square Garden, comedian Tony Hinchcliffe faced strong backlash after calling Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage.” His comments, which included additional disparaging remarks about Latino communities, quickly ignited criticism from both sides of the political spectrum, drawing responses from figures such as U.S. Representative Maria Elvira Salazar and Democratic leader Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Salazar, a Republican congresswoman representing Miami, took to social media to express her outrage, pointing to Puerto Rico’s history of military contributions and valor. She condemned Hinchcliffe’s comments as unreflective of GOP values and called for greater awareness of Puerto Rican sacrifices and contributions.

Ocasio-Cortez, who is of Puerto Rican descent, echoed the sentiment, suggesting that the comedian’s comments highlight dismissive attitudes toward Puerto Ricans and other working-class communities. During a livestream with Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate, Tim Walz, she noted that such language reflects broader views that disparage those who earn less or come from marginalized backgrounds.

Prominent Latino artists like Bad Bunny, Luis Fonsi, and Ricky Martin also voiced their disapproval on social media, underscoring the offense taken within the Puerto Rican and Latino communities. Fonsi denounced the comedian’s remarks as harmful and divisive, while Martin emphasized that such comments show the lack of respect some hold for Puerto Ricans.