The chairman of Puerto Rico’s Republican Party has issued a stern warning to Donald Trump, saying his support hinges on Trump’s response to an offensive remark made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe. During Trump’s campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Hinchcliffe referred to Puerto Rico as “a floating island of garbage,” sparking immediate backlash from leaders across the political spectrum, including prominent Republicans and Vice President Kamala Harris.
The Controversial Statement That Sparked Outrage
As an opening act for Trump’s October 27 rally, Hinchcliffe’s speech included a divisive remark about Puerto Rico: “I don’t know if you guys know this, but there’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now,” he said, adding, “I think it’s called Puerto Rico.” The comment drew strong disapproval from Republicans and Democrats alike, many of whom decried it as offensive and harmful to Puerto Rican constituents.
Calls for Apology from Puerto Rico GOP Chair Angel Cintrón
Angel Cintrón, chair of Puerto Rico’s Republican Party, appeared on the popular Puerto Rican talk show Jugando Pelota Dura on Monday to address the incident. Cintrón insisted that Trump personally apologize for Hinchcliffe’s comment, stressing that without an apology, he would refuse to cast a symbolic vote for the former president. While Puerto Rican citizens cannot vote in the U.S. general election, Cintrón’s statement reflects deep concern among Puerto Rican leaders about respect and representation on the national stage.
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“If Donald Trump doesn’t apologize to Puerto Rico, I’m not going to vote for him,” Cintrón said, calling on Trump to mend relations with Puerto Rican communities. Cintrón has been an instrumental ally, previously helping secure Trump’s nomination at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
Trump Campaign’s Response
Danielle Alvarez, a senior adviser for Trump’s campaign, was quick to distance the campaign from Hinchcliffe’s joke. In a statement to Newsweek, Alvarez clarified that the comment did not reflect the views of Trump or his campaign. However, many feel that an official apology from Trump himself is still needed.
Hinchcliffe, meanwhile, defended his joke on social media, stating that he “loves Puerto Rico and vacations there,” and noted that he “made fun of everyone” in his set. Despite this, his comments have intensified scrutiny from both parties.
Political Ramifications: Impact on Key Battleground States
The controversy over Hinchcliffe’s remarks has already drawn responses from Republican and Democratic lawmakers, including those representing Florida, where the largest population of Puerto Ricans in the U.S. resides. Key figures such as Vice President Kamala Harris, as well as high-profile Puerto Rican celebrities like rapper Bad Bunny, have voiced support for Puerto Rico, with Bad Bunny endorsing Harris’ policies for the island following the rally. Many political analysts predict that this backlash may sway voters in battleground states with significant Puerto Rican populations, such as Pennsylvania.
Could the Fallout Affect Trump’s Election Chances?
Political experts warn that this incident could significantly impact Trump’s bid for re-election, particularly in swing states where Puerto Rican residents’ votes could prove pivotal. Mark Shanahan, an associate professor of political engagement at the University of Surrey, emphasized the timing of the controversy: “A week before the election, the last thing either side should be doing is offering up own goals to the opposition. The Puerto Rico line did not even play well in the room, and it’s no surprise it has been seized on both by liberal commentators and Hispanic news outlets.”
