Donald Trump has distanced himself from a comment about Puerto Rico made by a speaker at his Sunday rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe sparked widespread backlash after he described the territory as an “island of floating garbage.”
On Tuesday, Trump told ABC News’ Rachel Scott: “I don’t know him, someone put him up there. I don’t know who he is.”
The Republican nominee also said that he did not hear any of Hinchcliffe’s comments.
When pressed, Trump did not denounce Hinchcliffe’s remarks, instead repeating that he had not heard them, ABC News reported.
Newsweek has contacted a representative for Trump via email and Hinchliffe via direct message on X, formerly Twitter.
Following the rally, a Trump campaign spokesperson said: “This joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign.”
Hinchcliffe’s comment about Puerto Rico sparked widespread criticism, prompting several Puerto Rican celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny and Ricky Martin to publicly express their support for Kamala Harris.
Trump is due to hold a rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania tonight in a push to win over voters in the key battleground state.
The state has a sizable Puerto Rican population, and protesters are reportedly planning to mobilize against the rally.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York, October 27, 2024. Trump has responded to controversial remarks made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at the former President’s rally on Sunday.
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After the remarks the Harris campaign quickly launched a new ad targeting the comments.
“I will never forget what Donald Trump did. He abandoned the island and offered nothing more than paper towels and insults,” Kamala Harris said in the ad. “Puerto Ricans deserve better.”
Hinchcliffe’s joke also generated criticism from across the political spectrum, with several Republicans publicly denouncing it.
In a post on X, Florida Senator Rick Scott said: “This joke bombed for a reason. It’s not funny and it’s not true. Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans! I’ve been to the island many times. It’s a beautiful place. Everyone should visit! I will always do whatever I can to help any Puerto Rican in Florida or on the island.”
More to follow.
Update 10/29/2024 10:43 a.m. ET: This article was updated with more information.
