Republicans were quick to separate themselves from a comedian who trashed Puerto Rico as an “island of garbage” during a rally for former President Donald Trump in New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, known as “Kill Tony,” made the joke while warming up the crowd before Trump’s appearance. The joke was one of several controversial moments that left a bad taste in Democrats’ mouths and even pushed Republicans to repudiate the routine.
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The Trump campaign said the joke did not reflect the campaign or the former president’s views and that it did not vet speakers’ remarks, according to a report from Politico.
Several Republicans from Florida, a state with a significant Puerto Rican population, condemned the joke.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) called the joke “not funny” and “not true” in a Sunday evening post on X.
This joke bombed for a reason. It’s not funny and it’s not true. Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans! I’ve been to the island many times. It’s a beautiful place. Everyone should visit! I will always do whatever I can to help any Puerto Rican in Florida or on… https://t.co/b00eYWkx85
— Rick Scott (@ScottforFlorida) October 27, 2024
“This joke bombed for a reason. It’s not funny and it’s not true. Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans! I’ve been to the island many times. It’s a beautiful place. Everyone should visit! I will always do whatever I can to help any Puerto Rican in Florida or on the island,” Scott said.
Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) also decried the “racist comment” by the comedian and said Puerto Rico deserved “respect.”
Disgusted by @TonyHinchcliffe’s racist comment calling Puerto Rico a ‘floating island of garbage.’
This rhetoric does not reflect GOP values.
Puerto Rico sent 48,000+ soldiers to Vietnam, with over 345 Purple Hearts awarded. This bravery deserves respect.
Educate yourself!
— María Elvira Salazar
(@MaElviraSalazar) October 27, 2024
“Disgusted by @TonyHinchcliffe’s racist comment calling Puerto Rico a ‘floating island of garbage.’ This rhetoric does not reflect GOP values. Puerto Rico sent 48,000+ soldiers to Vietnam, with over 345 Purple Hearts awarded. This bravery deserves respect. Educate yourself!” Salazar said.
Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY) said the Trump campaign should “stay on message” and heralded Puerto Rico as a “beautiful island with a rich culture.”
I’m proud to be Puerto Rican.
My mom was born and raised in Puerto Rico. It’s a beautiful island with a rich culture and an integral part of the USA.
The only thing that’s ‘garbage’ was a bad comedy set.
Stay on message.
— Anthony P. D’Esposito (@ANTHONYDESPO) October 28, 2024
“I’m proud to be Puerto Rican. My mom was born and raised in Puerto Rico. It’s a beautiful island with a rich culture and an integral part of the USA. The only thing that’s ‘garbage’ was a bad comedy set. Stay on message,” D’Esposito said in a post on X.
Former Trump adviser Peter Navarro touted the former president’s efforts to help the island territory after hurricanes during his administration and railed against Hinchcliffe.
No one worked harder for Puerto Rico after the hurricanes hit than @realDonaldTrump. @tonyhinchcliffe must be the biggest, stupidest asshole that ever came down the comedy pike. Never loved insult comedians (other than Rickles).
— Peter Navarro (@RealPNavarro) October 28, 2024
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“No one worked harder for Puerto Rico after the hurricanes hit than @realDonaldTrump. @tonyhinchcliffe must be the biggest, stupidest a**hole that ever came down the comedy pike. Never loved insult comedians (other than Rickles),” Navarro said in a Monday post on X.
The election between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris next week is expected to be close, with polls indicating a near-dead heat in the RealClearPolitics national polling average.