Comic under fire after Puerto Rico called 'floating trash island' at Donald Trump rally

A comedian who performed at a Donald Trump rally has come under fire after calling Puerto Rico a “floating island of trash.”

Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe later said, “These Latinos love having babies,” adding that they had never used the retractable contraception method Mr. Trump took the stage at New York's Madison Square Garden on Sunday evening.

The statements sparked considerable criticism, including among Republican politicians.

How it happened: Trump's rally at Madison Square Garden

Maria Elvira Salazar, who represents parts of Miami for Republicans and has attended recent Trump rallies, wrote on X that she was “disgusted” by the comment.

She said: “This rhetoric does not reflect the values of the Republican Party. Puerto Rico sent more than 48,000 soldiers to Vietnam and received over 345 Purple Hearts awards. This courage deserves respect. Educate yourself!”

Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is of Puerto Rican descent and was born in New York, responded to the comments during a livestream with Kamala Harris' Vice President Tim Walz.

“If any of you have an asshole calling Puerto Rico 'floating trash,' know that that's what they think of you,” she said.

“That’s what they think about anyone who makes less money than them.”

Mr Hinchcliffe defended himself on

Shortly after Mr Hinchcliffe made the comments, rapper Bad Bunny endorsed Ms Harris, sharing a video with the Democratic candidate saying: “There is so much at stake in this election for Puerto Rican voters and for Puerto Rico.”

Read more: Was Trump's rally an invocation of Nazism?

Luis Fonsi, a Puerto Rican artist who sings the hit “Despacito,” wrote on Instagram: “To go down this racist path is not that.”

Meanwhile, Ricky Martin, who has previously supported Ms Harris, was also offended by the comment, saying on Instagram: “That's what they think about us.”

Danielle Alvarez, a spokeswoman for the Trump campaign, also said the joke “does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign.”

The dispute could give the Harris campaign a boost as it seeks to shore up its support among Latino voters, where Trump is trying to gain ground.

The Puerto Rican vote is significant Pennsylvaniawhich is probably the most hotly contested swing state in the 2024 elections.

Other speakers at the New York rally also made inflammatory comments about Ms. Harris, with just over a week left until the election.

David Rem, a childhood friend of Mr. Trump, called Ms. Harris “the antichrist” and “the devil.” Businessman Grant Cardone told the crowd that Harris “and her pimps are going to destroy our country.”

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Other speakers at the rally included former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan, owner of X Elon Muskthe television psychologist Dr. Phil McGraw and former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson.