A comedian performing at Donald Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday sparked controversy with his offensive remarks. Tony Hinchcliffe, known for his podcast “Kill Tony,” referred to Puerto Rico as an “island of garbage,” triggering widespread backlash. This comment comes as Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state, holds one of the largest Puerto Rican communities in the country.
The Trump campaign quickly distanced itself from Hinchcliffe’s remarks. Danielle Alvarez, a senior adviser to Trump’s campaign, stated that the “joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign.” However, the campaign did not disavow other offensive comments made by Hinchcliffe and other speakers during the event.
Hinchcliffe also mocked migrants, sarcastically stating that he welcomes them with “open arms” while waving his hands in a “stop” motion. His speech further degenerated into crude comments about Latinos, stereotyping them with remarks about their culture and reproductive habits.
The incident highlights the fine line Trump’s campaign must walk in its effort to appeal to diverse voter bases while maintaining its core supporters. With Pennsylvania being a critical battleground state, the campaign’s response to these remarks may impact its efforts to attract Latino and Puerto Rican voters.
