Trump rally sparks outrage as comedian Tony Hinchcliffe mocks Puerto Rico

Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s remarks at Trump’s MSG rally stir backlash with statements about Puerto Rico.

A Trump campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York on October 27, 2024, opened with remarks by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who made controversial statements about Puerto Rico and Latino immigrants.

 Hinchcliffe, host of the Kill Tony podcast, referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage” and added that “Latinos love making babies.” His comments drew swift criticism online, particularly in light of Trump’s history of strained relations with Puerto Rico.

Hinchcliffe’s statements are aligned with the Trump campaign’s intensified anti-immigrant messaging. As reported by Yahoo News, Trump attempted during his presidency to redirect disaster aid meant for Puerto Rico toward border wall funding. Former Homeland Security officials have confirmed Trump once asked about selling Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria, citing frustrations with the territory. Hinchcliffe’s remarks echo recent statements by Trump, who has repeatedly criticized migrants, including recent comments where he claimed that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were “eating cats”—a claim debunked by local authorities but repeated in recent rallies.

In his campaign, Trump has emphasized a hardline approach to immigration, suggesting deportations of legal residents and claiming that recent immigrants have turned the U.S. into a “garbage can.” This rhetoric has stirred concern among critics, including former members of Trump’s own administration, who have raised alarms about potential authoritarian tendencies should Trump secure a second term. In AFP reports, some of Trump’s former officials labeled his recent rhetoric as “fascist,” expressing concerns that his policies would grow more stringent if re-elected.

A top Trump supporter at the Madison Square Garden rally just called Puerto Rico a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean.

Desperate House Republicans from Long Island and the Hudson Valley shamefully invited this filth into our community.

Vote them all out.

— Hakeem Jeffries (@hakeemjeffries) October 27, 2024

To ALL Puerto Ricans, this is what this guy just said at Donald Trump's fascist gathering in Madison Square Garden. And don't forget that Trump forced Puerto Rico to wait TWO YEARS for full hurricane relief. Your vote counts. Make it for #HarrisWalz. pic.twitter.com/hNh3Ae06Iz

— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) October 27, 2024

Amid the backlash, Hinchcliffe responded to criticism in a tweet, stating, “These people have no sense of humor. Wild that a vice presidential candidate would take time out of his ‘busy schedule’ to analyze a joke taken out of context to make it seem racist. I love Puerto Rico and vacation there. I made fun of everyone…watch the whole set. I’m a comedian, Tim…might be time to change your tampon.”

These people have no sense of humor. Wild that a vice presidential candidate would take time out of his “busy schedule” to analyze a joke taken out of context to make it seem racist. I love Puerto Rico and vacation there. I made fun of everyone…watch the whole set. I’m a… https://t.co/VFxHRcdv5k

— Tony Hinchcliffe (@TonyHinchcliffe) October 27, 2024

The rally marked one of Trump’s major campaign stops in New York, with the former president aiming to mobilize support in the final days before Election Day.