- Tony Hinchcliffe called Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage”
- It’s sparked backlash from both Republicans and Democrats
- Hinchcliffe defends his “jokes” insisting he “loves Puerto Rico”
US comedian’s Puerto Rico comments at Trump rally sparks bipartisan outrage
Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe drew widespread condemnation for referring to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage” during his set at a Trump rally at Madison Square Garden. The comment, laced with racial stereotypes, sparked backlash from both Republicans and Democrats, with leaders accusing him of racism.
Two Republican lawmakers from Florida, home to a significant Puerto Rican population, spoke out. Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar called the remark “disgusting” and said it didn’t reflect GOP values, highlighting Puerto Ricans’ contributions to the military. Senator Rick Scott echoed her criticism, saying the joke “bombed for a reason” and calling Puerto Ricans “amazing Americans.”
The Trump campaign distanced itself from Hinchcliffe’s comments, with an adviser noting that the former president did not approve of the Puerto Rico line or the jokes targeting Latinos and Black people. However, a source confirmed that Hinchcliffe’s set had been partially vetted, though his comments on Puerto Rico and other racial jokes were reportedly ad-libbed.
Hinchcliffe later defended his material, claiming critics “have no sense of humour,” and insisted he “loves Puerto Rico,” where he vacations.