Backlash Erupts After Comedian at Trump Rally Calls Puerto Rico ‘Island of Garbage’

A comedian performing at a Donald Trump rally in New York sparked widespread outrage after calling Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage,” triggering backlash from both Republicans and Democrats. Tony Hinchcliffe, a stand-up comic known for his podcast Kill Tony, made the controversial remarks during a warm-up act at Trump’s rally in Madison Square Garden.

Hinchcliffe’s joke, which leaned on racist stereotypes, was condemned by members of both parties, particularly in Florida, a state with a significant Puerto Rican population. US congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar expressed her “disgust” on social media, distancing the Republican Party from the offensive remark and pointing out the contributions of Puerto Ricans to the US military. Senator Rick Scott also criticized the joke, calling it neither “funny” nor “true” and praising Puerto Ricans as “amazing people and amazing Americans.”

The controversy extended beyond the Puerto Rican community, with Hinchcliffe’s routine also invoking racist tropes about Latinos, Black people, and Jews. His remarks about Palestinians further fueled criticism, drawing groans from the audience and sparking outrage from Democratic lawmakers. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Tim Walz both condemned the comedian’s use of offensive material.

The fallout comes at a critical time in the 2024 presidential race, with Democratic nominee Kamala Harris also weighing in to denounce the remarks. In a twist, Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny endorsed Harris for president just hours after the controversy erupted.

Hinchcliffe defended himself on social media, stating, “These people have no sense of humor,” and asserting that his set was intended to target everyone equally. However, the offensive remarks have left many questioning the tone and rhetoric used at Trump’s rallies, further dividing opinions within both political parties.