At a rally in Madison Square Garden, comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made a bad move, calling Puerto Rico “a floating island of garbage.” This insensitive joke shocked the audience and offended Puerto Ricans everywhere, sparking a wave of backlash. But now it’s more than just a joke; it’s a political crisis Trump didn’t see coming, especially with Election Day right around the corner.
Puerto Rico’s Republican Party chairman, Angel Cintrón, isn’t letting it slide. Speaking on Puerto Rican talk show Jugando Pelota Dura, Cintrón demanded that Trump apologize for Hinchcliffe’s comments. “If Donald Trump doesn’t apologize to Puerto Rico, I’m not going to vote for him,” Cintrón said firmly. His words carry weight, considering he backed Trump at the Republican National Convention. This shows how deeply Puerto Ricans feel about respect for their island—and how Trump could lose even his own supporters over this.
Hinchcliffe, trying to defend his joke, tweeted, “I love Puerto Rico and vacation there,” claiming he was “making fun of everyone.” But many felt his joke was disrespectful.
These people have no sense of humor. 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… https://t.co/VFxHRcdv5k
— Tony Hinchcliffe (@TonyHinchcliffe) October 27, 2024
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A joke like this about a U.S. territory, filled with U.S. citizens who have faced natural disasters and continue to rebuild, didn’t sit well with Puerto Ricans or anyone who cares about the island’s future.
Trump’s campaign tried to control the damage, with senior adviser Danielle Alvarez clarifying that the “joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign.” But for many, this explanation wasn’t enough. What they wanted was a simple apology from Trump himself, especially from Puerto Ricans who feel this joke targeted their home. If Trump loses even a fraction of Puerto Rican support in key battleground states, it could make a big difference.
Criticism didn’t just come from Puerto Ricans. Some Republican leaders, especially those representing Florida’s large Puerto Rican community, spoke up too. And Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris, didn’t hesitate to jump in. This situation gave Harris a chance to show her support for Puerto Rico, and her campaign promoted her plans for the island’s future. Bad Bunny, Puerto Rico’s favorite superstar, even backed Harris and shared her message, getting young Puerto Ricans even more energized.
Trump’s timing couldn’t be worse. With only days before the election, he’s risking his support among Puerto Rican voters in places like Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania has around half a million Puerto Ricans, and even a small shift in votes could change the outcome of this crucial swing state. For Trump, this joke has become no laughing matter.
Political expert Mark Shanahan observed, “A week before the election, the last thing either side should be doing is offering up own goals to the opposition.” He added, “The Puerto Rico line last night did not even play well in the room.” This moment may end up being one of Trump’s biggest mistakes in the final stretch.
Featured image via Political Tribune gallery
