SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — A comedian’s derogatory remarks about Puerto Rico during a Donald Trump rally in New York has sparked outrage among residents of the island, who feel the insult is part of a long history of neglect. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, is now anticipated to have implications for the forthcoming presidential election, as it has mobilized public sentiment across the territory.
Despite being U.S. citizens, residents of Puerto Rico cannot participate in general elections, yet they can influence voters on the mainland, particularly their family and friends. Following the comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s comments, which labeled the territory as a “floating island of garbage,” the phones in the home of 3.2 million Puerto Ricans erupted with calls and messages. Many were quick to express their discontent, amplifying a collective sense of anger sparked by the remarks.
Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump are vying for support from Puerto Rican communities in swing states like Pennsylvania. Just hours after Hinchcliffe’s performance, well-known Puerto Rican reggaeton artist Bad Bunny publicly endorsed Harris, signaling the sharp divides this incident could further exacerbate. Alongside his mockery of the territory, Hinchcliffe’s routine also included offensive remarks targeting various marginalized groups, raising concerns about the broader implications for the election.
Milagros Serrano, an 81-year-old woman with a son in Pennsylvania, expressed her family’s outrage over Hinchcliffe’s jokes. “He shouldn’t speak about Puerto Rico in that manner,” she stated, while on her way to a medical appointment. “He should take a good look at himself instead.”
Puerto Rico has been a U.S. territory since 1917, and a significant migration wave began after World War II. Today, there are more Puerto Ricans living in the U.S. than on the island itself, adding to the sentiment among those who remained that they are often treated as second-class citizens. This feelings of disenfranchisement particularly intensified following the response from the Trump administration after Hurricane Maria devastated the island in 2017. Trump’s actions, such as tossing paper towels at hurricane survivors, and his dismissal of the storm’s death toll, have left lingering resentment among Puerto Ricans.
José Acevedo, a 48-year-old health worker from San Juan, recounted how he felt when he saw Hinchcliffe’s words. “It’s outright humiliation and discrimination!” he exclaimed while waiting for a public bus on Monday morning. He immediately reached out to his New York relatives, including an uncle who had intended to vote for Trump. “He said he now needs to reconsider his choice,” Acevedo shared, reflecting the shock and dismay felt by those who witnessed the comedy set.
The aftermath of Hinchcliffe’s remarks was quickly felt in local media and prompted action from politicians including Jenniffer González, Puerto Rico’s congressional representative, who condemned the comments as “despicable.” While representing a political party typically allied with Trump, her denouncement emphasizes the complexities of Puerto Rican politics, which often blur party lines based on the territory’s unique status.
Governor Pedro Pierluisi, a Democratic leader, also took to social media to express anger over Hinchcliffe’s statements, stating, “What spewed from Hinchcliffe’s mouth was garbage, and those who cheered should feel ashamed for disrespecting Puerto Rico.” This sentiment aligns with that of many residents such as Sonia Pérez, who, fed up with the comedian’s comments and the support from politicians like González, expressed her intention to reject long-standing political figures and parties. “It’s unacceptable that racism towards Latinos persists in the 21st century, despite our contributions to this nation,” Pérez noted.
Prominent Puerto Rican artists, including Ricky Martin, reacted strongly as well, posting their condemnation on social media. Martin highlighted the comedian’s remarks, stating, “This is what they think of us,” showcasing the deep-seated pain triggered by such derogatory comments. Others like Michael Meléndez Ortiz expressed disbelief, initially thinking the video of Hinchcliffe’s performance was fabricated. “We deserve respect; we are decent people,” he asserted, highlighting the broad demand for recognition and equality across the Puerto Rican community.