Puerto Ricans Flip On Trump?
In a recent opinion piece for The New York Times, three prominent Puerto Rican figures—singer Ricky Martin, actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, and actress Rita Moreno—joined forces to criticize the insensitivity surrounding former President Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden. Their piece addresses the cultural contributions of Puerto Ricans to the broader American narrative, emphasizing that Puerto Rican heritage is an integral part of the United States’ identity.
The op-ed was sparked by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s derogatory comments about Puerto Rico during the rally, where he labeled the island a “floating island of garbage.” This remark was met with widespread condemnation, prompting the Trump campaign to distance itself from the comedian’s statements. Former President Trump claimed ignorance of Hinchcliffe, suggesting that the remarks were merely a comedian’s attempt at humor. “I don’t know anything about the comedian,” he stated, downplaying the incident.
However, Hinchcliffe defended his comments on social media, insisting that people lacked a sense of humor. Even Joe Rogan, a popular podcaster and recent Trump interviewer, remarked that such a joke was ill-suited for the rally’s setting, implying that it was a misstep.
In their article, Martin, Miranda, and Moreno also referenced the Trump administration’s response to Hurricane Maria, which devastated Puerto Rico in 2017, resulting in the loss of over 4,600 lives. They argued that attributing the struggles of Puerto Ricans to their own actions reflects a dangerous ignorance of American history and politics.
In contrast to the backlash, the Trump campaign has highlighted its strong support from Latino voters, Black Americans, and other communities, positioning itself as a champion of all Americans. The campaign has reiterated that Hinchcliffe’s comments do not represent its values. As the nation moves toward a more diverse future, it is crucial for all voices, including those from Puerto Rico, to be heard and respected in the political arena.
