Reaction to a comedian who refers to Puerto Rico as a “island of garbage” at a Trump rally

After calling Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage” during a Donald Trump rally, a comedian sparked outrage from both Democrats and Republicans and was accused of racism.

New York’s Madison Square Garden hosted a number of speakers on Sunday, including comedian Tony Hinchcliffe. Additionally, he used racist tropes in a number of his jokes.

The former president was disassociated from the Puerto Rico joke by a Trump adviser, and Kamala Harris, Trump’s Democratic opponent, also condemned it. Another Trump warm-up speaker who caused uproar also targeted Harris.

The uproar started when Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, one of the biggest Latin celebrities in the world, supported Harris for president.

“There’s a lot going on,” joked Hinchcliffe, who is well-known for his comedic podcast Kill Tony. There is currently a floating island of trash in the middle of the ocean; I’m not sure if you are aware of this. It’s called Puerto Rico, I believe.

The response to the line seemed to be varied. Among those who criticized the joke were two Republicans from Florida, a state with a sizable Puerto Rican community.

According to US Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar, the “racist comment” “disgusted” her. In reference to the Republican Party, she claimed on X that it did not “reflect the GOP values” and mentioned that thousands of Puerto Ricans had served in the armed forces.

Senator Rick Scott of the United States stated: “The joke bombed for a reason. It’s not funny and it’s not true.” He added that “Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans”.