Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe has ignited outrage and allegations of racism following his controversial comment about Puerto Rico during a Donald Trump rally. Hinchcliffe referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage,” prompting swift condemnation from various quarters.
A Trump adviser quickly sought to clarify the former president’s stance, distancing Trump from Hinchcliffe's remarks. The comment was also criticized by Trump’s Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, who denounced the statement as offensive.
Puerto Ricans represent the second-largest Latino subgroup in the United States, with significant populations residing in key swing states like North Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. The backlash underscores the sensitivity surrounding comments made about the territory and its residents, especially in the context of upcoming elections.