In yet another bizarre display of theatrics, former President Donald Trump arrived at a Green Bay, Wisconsin rally in a white garbage truck emblazoned with his name, taking a jab at President Joe Biden’s recent comments that appeared to liken Trump’s supporters to “garbage.” The moment unfolded as Trump, donning an orange and yellow safety vest over his trademark white shirt and red tie, climbed into the passenger seat of the truck, determined to amplify Biden’s remark in his own style.
The garbage truck’s arrival, marked by Trump’s quip, “How do you like my garbage truck? This is in honor of Kamala and Joe Biden,” aimed to stoke his supporters’ sentiments and capitalize on Biden’s choice of words. Biden had initially commented on a Wednesday call, stating, “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters.” Though the White House later clarified that Biden was referring to Trump’s disparagement of Latinos and not to Trump supporters directly, the damage was already done.
Former Pres. Trump fielded questions from reporters in Green Bay, Wisconsin, from a campaign-themed garbage truck.
Follow live election updates: https://t.co/OvU3en5mdo pic.twitter.com/KjzTFimkzl
— ABC News (@ABC) October 30, 2024
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In his usual manner, Trump seized the opportunity to twist Biden’s remark to reinforce his own narrative. Standing out against a rain-soaked backdrop, he leaned into the image, using it to underscore what he painted as disdain from the Democrats toward his base. Trump’s team framed the garbage truck appearance as both a stunt and a statement, one where Biden and Harris could be seen, according to Trump, as dismissive of “real Americans.”
Trump climbs in a garbage truck to take questions. This is just weird. pic.twitter.com/zZbHabLUeJ
— DrDinD🟧🇺🇲🇺🇦 He/Him (@DrDinD) October 30, 2024
Notably, Trump faced a separate wave of criticism due to remarks made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe during a recent rally, where the comedian allegedly referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.” The inflammatory joke stirred backlash, but Trump distanced himself, stating, “I don’t know anything about the comedian… He’s a comedian, what can I tell you?” Yet he refrained from offering an outright denouncement or apology to Puerto Ricans, simply adding, “I love Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico loves me.”
Trump’s refusal to condemn Hinchcliffe’s remark, paired with his reappropriation of Biden’s words, highlights the former president’s combative style as he seeks to appeal to his base. The garbage truck moment, alongside his statement, “I hope you enjoyed this garbage truck. Thank you very much,” echoed his past penchant for showmanship while taking aim at his opponents.
As if things couldn’t get any stranger, Trump stepped onstage at his rally wearing his safety vest in what could be described as his cringiest moment to date.
🔥🚨BREAKING: Donald Trump started his rally in his garbage man uniform after clocking out his shift as a garbage man for the day in Green Bay Wisconsin. pic.twitter.com/YroXhg52O2
— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) October 30, 2024
Featured image via screengrab