Trump rally at MSG: Comedian's remarks on Puerto Ricans draw outrage

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) – A campaign rally for former President Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden drew outrage due to a speaker's jokes 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. I think it's called Puerto Rico?" comedian Tony Hinchcliffe said while speaking at the rally on Sunday.

Gov. Kathy Hochul slammed the joke at the United Bodegas of America Gala in New York City.

"I must stand here as the governor who represents a million Puerto Ricans and a million Dominicans, and say we stand together," Hochul said. "We stand together and call out such vile hatred spewed against our friends, and our neighbors, and indeed in this case, American citizens."

Mayor Eric Adams called the remarks unacceptable in a post on X, writing that hate has no place in the city.

The Trump campaign released a statement, saying the joke "does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign."

Republican Sen. Rick Scott also condemned the joke, writing on X, "This joke bombed for a reason. It's not funny and it's not true. Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans!"

Trump then addressed the crowd of thousands, promising to cut taxes, end inflation, slash prices and raise wages.

He also proposed a new tax cut at the rally, calling for a family caregiver tax credit – a plan aimed at boosting support from blue-collar and older adult voters.

Celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny and Ricky Martin announced their support for Vice President Kamala Harris on social media following Hinchcliffe's speech.