The political class of Puerto Rico exploded this Monday against the comments of the American comedian Tony Hinchcliffesupporter of Donald Trump, who declared this Sunday during a campaign rally that Puerto Rico is a “floating island of trash.”
“Trash came out of @TonyHinchcliffe’s mouth, and everyone who applauded him should be ashamed of themselves for disrespecting Puerto Rico,” Puerto Rico’s governor said, Pedro Pierluisiin your X account.
“Comments like that They denounce the prejudices and racism that unfortunately still exist in our Nation, and remind us of the importance of choosing leaders who reject and fight against this type of intolerance,” added the outgoing governor of the annexationist New Progressive Party (PNP).
Hinchcliffe spoke about Puerto Rico ahead of former President and Republican Party nominee Donald Trump’s speech Sunday at a rally at the Madison Square Garden in New York in which approximately 20,000 people participated.
The actor He also made fun of Latinos and warned that “they like making babies”, in an event full of racist and misogynistic messages from attendees and Trump himself.
Insults towards Puerto Rico can represent a setback for their aspirations, for almost one million Puerto Rican voters reside in so-called “swing” statesdecisive in determining the winner of the presidential elections of November 5.
Reactions against
Comments which triggered a wave of reactions of rejection, in particular from several artists such as singers. Jennifer López, Ricky Martin, Luis Fonsi, Bad Bunny and René Pérez (Resident), who rejected these comments and They asked to vote for Democrat Kamala Harris in the next elections on November 5.
Hinchcliffe was scheduled to travel to Puerto Rico this week and perform at Gala, one of San Juan’s main tourist centers, and at Norbertos Piano Bar & Lounge in the exclusive Palmas del Mar neighborhood of Humacao (east of the island). ), but The administrations of both places canceled their event.
For his part, the Trump-JD Vance campaign manager in Puerto Rico, Alfred Ocasio, mentioned in a press release Hinchcliffe as “a stranger” who pretends to be a comedian and added that “his expressions cannot be described as anything other than disgusting and racist and in no way reflect what the Republican Party is about.”
“This party embraces racial diversity, respects all cultures and rejects racism. Mr. Hinchcliffe has no place in the Republican Party and we have asked that he no longer be engaged in Republican Party activities,” Ocasio said.
In turn, PNP gubernatorial candidate and Trump supporter, Jennifer Gonzalezstated that Hinchcliffe’s expressions “are despicable, misguided and disgusting. “What he said is not comical, in the same way that he was rejected by the public, he deserves the forceful rejection of everyone,” González said in a statement.
“We cannot allow space for expressions as vile and racist as these. They do not represent the values of the GOP (Republican Party),” added the Washington, DC resident commissioner.
Meanwhile, Puerto Rican Independence Party and Alliance gubernatorial candidate, Juan Dalmauargued that Hinchcliffe’s expressions are not necessarily the main problem, but Trump’s.
Trump is “the very one who despises Puerto Ricans”the one who threw (toilet) paper towels at us like basketballs, at the worst moment in our history after Hurricane “Maria” and who resisted recovery funds,” recalled Dalmau.
For his part, the candidate for governor of the Popular Democratic Party, Jesús Manuel Ortiz, asked González to “unequivocally withdraw his support for Donald Trump”» because of what the American comedian said. “We have had enough of your excuses and cynical explanations. Tell the truth. “This city respects itself!” Ortiz emphasized in X.
Finally, Project Dignity Party gubernatorial candidate, Javier Jimenez, defended Puerto Rico as a “land rich in culture, history and dignity” and said that “its people have contributed enormously in everything from art and sports to military service and science.”
“We reject any attack aimed at tarnishing the reputation of our people. As Puerto Ricans, we demand the respect we deserve,” he stressed.
Trump campaign distances itself
Given the controversy aroused barely 10 days before the elections, the campaign of the former American president distanced itself from the racist remarks made during Sunday’s meeting.
“This joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign”said Danielle Alvarez, senior campaign advisor, ABCNews.
After his statements caused controversy, Hinchcliffe himself published a message on the X network in which He said Puerto Ricans “have no sense of humor.” and as he is an actor, he makes fun of everyone.
Aware of the importance of the Latino vote, many Republican figures have tried in recent hours to distance Trump from these comments.
The Florida senator Rick Scott, for example, he said via X that it was a joke that was “neither funny nor true.” “Puerto Ricans are incredible people and incredible Americans!” he said.
The Republican legislator from New York, Anthony D’Espositoasked the Republican Party, also in
For her part, the Republican representative from Florida Maria Elvira Salazarsaid in X that “this rhetoric does not reflect the values of the Republican Party.” “I am disgusted by Tony Hinchcliffe’s racist comment calling Puerto Rico a ‘floating island of garbage’… Puerto Rico sent over 48,000 troops to Vietnam and received over 345 Purple Hearts. This courage deserves respect. Find out!
