Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe has come under fire after making an offensive joke about Puerto Rico during Donald Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday. Known for his provocative style, Hinchcliffe crossed a line with many when he said, “There’s literally a floating island of garbage in the ocean. I think it’s called Puerto Rico.”
The audience’s reaction was mixed, with some attendees appearing visibly uncomfortable. The joke sparked swift criticism from both sides of the political spectrum, with many calling it offensive and disrespectful to Puerto Ricans, who are U.S. citizens.
Politicians, Celebrities, and Republicans Respond
Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) were among the first to condemn the joke. Harris criticized the rally as divisive, saying, “This isn’t about comedy—it’s about spreading hate and distracting from real issues.” Biden called the event “embarrassing” and said it exemplified why the upcoming election is crucial.
AOC, whose parents are Puerto Rican, blasted Hinchcliffe in a series of posts, writing, “This isn’t the Comedy Store. You’re using your platform to spread hate and prop up extremists. Your ‘joke’ won’t erase the damage.”
Harris’s running mate, Tim Walz, also expressed outrage during a Twitch livestream with AOC, emphasizing Puerto Rico’s contributions to the U.S.: “Puerto Ricans are American citizens who pay taxes and serve in the military at higher rates than most.”
Prominent Puerto Rican Republicans, including Ángel Cintrón, the chairman of the Puerto Rico Republican Party, and Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar, also criticized the remarks. Salazar highlighted Puerto Rico’s military history, saying, “This rhetoric is disgraceful and un-American. Puerto Rico’s bravery deserves respect.”
Senator Rick Scott of Florida echoed these sentiments, adding, “This joke bombed for a reason—it’s disrespectful and untrue. Puerto Ricans are amazing Americans.”
Trump Campaign Distances Itself from Controversy
In an attempt to manage the backlash, Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt called the joke “in poor taste” but suggested that the controversy was being blown out of proportion. Another spokesperson, Danielle Alvarez, clarified that the remarks “do not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign.”
Despite these efforts, the controversy shows no signs of fading. Celebrities like Bad Bunny and Ricky Martin publicly condemned the joke, with Martin telling his 18 million Instagram followers, “This is what they think of us. Vote for Kamala Harris.” Both artists, previously neutral, have now endorsed Harris for president.
Political Action Committees Seize the Moment
Several political action groups have taken advantage of the controversy to rally Latino voters. Nuestro Pac, a Democratic Super Pac focused on Latino outreach, launched a campaign targeting Puerto Rican voters in key states like Pennsylvania. The group reportedly raised $30,000 within hours to mobilize support following the incident.
The fallout from Hinchcliffe’s joke continues to grow, fueling debates about racism, political rhetoric, and the boundaries of comedy. With the 2024 election just days away, the incident could have far-reaching political consequences.
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