The Trump campaign is under fire after a comedian at one of Trump’s rallies in New York City made offensive remarks, including a racially charged joke about Puerto Rico. The incident has sparked a wave of criticism, with JD Vance’s response drawing even more attention to the controversy. As Trump’s running mate and Republican vice presidential nominee, Vance’s reaction to the incident has not only failed to diffuse the situation but has arguably made it worse.
When questioned about the joke on Monday, Vance claimed he hadn’t “seen” it, despite its widespread circulation and the backlash it has generated. “I’ve heard about the joke; I haven’t actually seen the joke,” Vance stated when asked if the jokes, deemed racist by many, were setting an appropriate tone for the campaign just a week before Election Day. “Maybe it’s a stupid, racist joke, as you said; maybe it’s not. I haven’t seen it,” he added, dismissively. “I’m not gonna comment on the specificity of the joke … but I think that we have to stop getting offended at every little thing in the United States of America. I’m just so over it.”
The incident in question occurred when comedian Tony Hinchcliffe took to the stage, making crude comments that targeted Latino immigrant families and included a remark about carving Halloween watermelons with a Black man. Most notably, Hinchcliffe described Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.”
While Trump campaign spokesperson Daniella Alvarez tried to distance the campaign from the joke, saying it “does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign,” Vance’s refusal to condemn the remarks outright has brought further scrutiny to his judgment and leadership. His reaction highlights a double standard: he has previously taken offense at being called “weird” and has spread false claims about Haitian immigrants. Yet, now he suggests Americans should simply brush off offensive remarks.
