Former President Donald Trump’s New York City rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday took an unexpected turn when comedian Tony Hinchcliffe took the stage and made a joke about Puerto Rico that drew immediate criticism from both sides of the political spectrum.
Hinchcliffe, in a moment that quickly went viral, quipped, “It is absolutely wild times – it really, really is. And, you know, there’s a lot going on. Like, I don’t know if you guys know this, but there’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now – I think it’s called Puerto Rico.” His remark was met with immediate backlash, with many condemning it as insensitive and offensive.
Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who was live-streaming his reaction to the event alongside Democratic New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, expressed his disgust, stating, “Who is that jackwat?” Ocasio-Cortez echoed the sentiment, adding, “When you have some a–hole calling Puerto Rico ‘floating garbage,’ know that that’s what they think about you. It’s what they think about anyone who makes less money than them.”
Republican lawmakers were equally critical of Hinchcliffe’s joke. Florida GOP Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, who is Cuban American, took to X (formerly Twitter) to condemn the remark, stating, “Disgusted by Tony Hinchcliffe’s racist comment calling Puerto Rico a ‘floating island of garbage.’ This rhetoric does not reflect GOP values.” Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., another Cuban American, added online, “This is not a joke. It’s completely classless & in poor taste. Puerto Rico is the crown jewel of the Caribbean & home to many of the most patriotic Americans I know. Tony Hinchcliffe clearly isn’t funny & definitely doesn’t reflect my values or those of the Republican Party.”
In the wake of the widespread criticism, the Trump campaign issued a statement seeking to distance itself from the comedian’s controversial remark. Senior Trump campaign adviser Danielle Alvarez told Fox News Digital, “This joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign.”
Despite facing condemnation from both Republicans and Democrats, Hinchcliffe doubled down on his remarks, posting on X, “These people have no sense of humor.” He also dismissed the criticisms as being taken out of context, arguing, “Wild that a vice presidential candidate would take time out of his ‘busy schedule’ to analyze a joke taken out of context to make it seem racist. I love Puerto Rico and vacation there. I made fun of everyone…watch the whole set. I’m a comedian Tim…might be time to change your tampon.”
Hinchcliffe’s comments, however, are likely to further fuel the ongoing debate surrounding the use of humor in political campaigns, particularly in light of the increasingly divisive political climate. The incident highlights the potential consequences of insensitive remarks, even when intended as jokes, and the need for comedians to carefully consider the impact of their words, especially when performing at high-profile events like political rallies.
