Trump reacts to Biden’s ‘garbage’ comment, drawing parallels to Clinton’s 'deplorable' remark

Amid backlash over President Joe Biden’s recent “garbage” comment, Donald Trump seized the moment, linking it to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 “deplorables” remark. Biden's statement, aimed at “hateful rhetoric” about Puerto Rico at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally, has stirred controversy. Trump criticized Biden at a rally, stating, “Garbage I think is worse, right?” and added, “Terrible. Terrible to say a thing like that… but he really doesn’t know.”

The White House quickly responded, clarifying Biden’s intent. White House spokesperson Andrew Bates emphasized that Biden was “only referring to the hateful rhetoric” from one supporter, clarifying, “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporter’s… demonization of Latinos is unconscionable.” Biden himself reiterated this on X, posting, “The hateful rhetoric about Puerto Rico… is garbage, which is the only word I can think of to describe it.” Biden also affirmed, “His demonization of Latinos is unconscionable. That’s all I meant to say.”

Meanwhile, some Democrats distanced themselves from Biden's remark. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, speaking on CNN, remarked he “would never insult the good people of Pennsylvania or any Americans, even if they chose to support a candidate I didn’t support.” This incident has reminded many of Clinton’s 2016 “basket of deplorables” comment, which became a rallying cry for Trump’s base. Trump, in an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, dismissed the controversy around the Puerto Rico joke, remarking, “I can’t imagine it’s a big deal.” As election tensions rise, reactions to Biden’s words reflect polarized sentiments among both parties.