At a recent rally for former President Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden, comedian Tony Hinchcliffe stirred controversy with remarks about Puerto Rico, referring to it as a “floating island of garbage.” His comments were criticized across social media and prompted responses from several high-profile figures. Puerto Rican celebrities, including Luis Fonsi and Ricky Martin, expressed outrage. Additionally, U.S. Representative Maria Elvira Salazar condemned Hinchcliffe’s statement, calling it disrespectful and unreflective of GOP values. Trump’s campaign spokesperson distanced the campaign from Hinchcliffe’s remarks, clarifying that his statements do not align with Trump’s views on Puerto Rico.
These remarks also coincided with a show of support for Vice President Kamala Harris from Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny, who has been vocal about Puerto Rico’s challenges and has criticized the federal response to Hurricane Maria. The timing of these incidents underscores the significance of Puerto Rican voters in the upcoming election, especially in swing states like Pennsylvania.
