Jimmy Kimmel couldn’t resist poking fun at Donald Trump’s latest stunt: arriving at a Wisconsin campaign rally in a garbage truck.
"Shouldn’t they have put him in the back? That’s where the garbage goes – it’s all sorts of confusing," Kimmel quipped on his show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
Trump rolled in behind the wheel of a white garbage truck emblazoned with "Trump Make America Great Again 2024", a pointed jab at President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
"’How do you like my garbage truck?’" Trump asked reporters. "’This truck is in honor of Kamala and Joe Biden.’"
This stunt was a direct response to a recent Biden comment, where the president seemed to refer to Trump’s MAGA supporters as "garbage," sparking a furious backlash.
Biden clarified that his words were aimed at the "hateful rhetoric" at a Trump rally, not at the supporters themselves.
Despite Trump frequently labelling the US as a "garbage can" on the campaign trail, and comedian Tony Hinchcliffe using demeaning language about Puerto Rico at a recent Trump event, the GOP candidate latched onto Biden’s words.
"Trump refers to America as a ‘garbage can’ several times daily, but now that Biden used the word… he’s driving a garbage truck," Kimmel pointed out with a smirk.
Kimmel also mocked Trump’s choice of attire, highlighting that he kept the bright orange sanitation worker vest on throughout the rally.
"This brings out the orange in his face, I have to say," Kimmel chuckled, displaying a photo of Trump in the vest.
The late-night host suggested that the entire spectacle was a diversionary tactic to deflect attention from Hinchcliffe’s controversial remarks at a Madison Square Garden rally.
At that rally, Hinchcliffe referred to Puerto Rico as a "floating island of garbage," drawing condemnation from the Puerto Rican community and raising concerns about alienating Hispanic voters.
"While he’s trying to play it off and distract us, this garbage thing is a serious issue," Kimmel stated. "He’s facing a firestorm from the Latino population."
Instead of apologizing, Trump deflected to Sean Hannity, claiming, "Every time I go outside I see somebody from Puerto Rico. They give me a hug and a kiss."
Kimmel responded sarcastically, "Yes, that definitely happens every time he goes outside…"
Trump has repeatedly distanced himself from Hinchcliffe’s comments, attempting to diminish their significance while also accusing Harris of running a hateful campaign.
Harris, meanwhile, has tried to separate herself from Biden’s remarks, emphasizing that she strongly opposes criticism based on voting choices.
Title: “The Art of Political Stunts: A Deep Dive into Trump’s Garbage Truck Rally”
Time.News Editor: Welcome to Time.News! Today, we’re diving into a rather peculiar moment from the political stage: Donald Trump’s recent arrival at a Wisconsin campaign rally in a garbage truck. To help us dissect this event, we have political communications expert, Dr. Emily Carter. Welcome, Dr. Carter!
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to break this down.
Time.News Editor: So, Dr. Carter, let’s start with the basics. What do you make of Trump’s choice to arrive in a garbage truck emblazoned with “Trump Make America Great Again 2024,” especially considering the timing of it all?
Dr. Emily Carter: It’s a classic example of political theater. Trump is a master at using symbolism to craft a narrative. By arriving in a garbage truck, he not only capitalizes on President Biden’s recent comments but also reinforces his ‘outsider’ image. It’s visceral, it’s memorable, and it certainly stirs up emotions, which is exactly what he thrives on.
Time.News Editor: Jimmy Kimmel had a witty remark about Trump: “Shouldn’t they have put him in the back? That’s where the garbage goes.” How does the humor in such a comment reflect on the media’s role in politics today?
Dr. Emily Carter: Humor plays a crucial role in shaping public perception. Kimmel’s quip not only engages viewers but also critiques Trump’s strategy in a light-hearted way. Late-night hosts have become central figures in political discourse, often highlighting absurdities in campaigns and politicians. This kind of humor helps to make complex political issues more accessible and relatable.
Time.News Editor: It’s interesting to note that this stunt was a direct reaction to Biden’s comments about MAGA supporters being labeled “garbage.” How do you see this exchange between the two leaders playing out?
Dr. Emily Carter: This exchange underscores the polarization in American politics. Trump is adept at flipping narratives to his advantage, as seen with his response to Biden. While Biden clarified that he was referring to rhetoric and not supporters, Trump’s framing turns it into an opportunity to rally his base. This back-and-forth not only energizes supporters but also keeps both candidates in the news cycle.
Time.News Editor: You mentioned Trump’s ability to craft narratives. He often refers to America as a ‘garbage can’ on the campaign trail. How does this rhetoric shape his identity among his supporters?
Dr. Emily Carter: Trump’s use of metaphorical language resonates with many who feel disillusioned by the political establishment. By calling America a “garbage can,” he taps into a sense of frustration and disenfranchisement. His supporters see him as someone who speaks their truth, despite its crudeness. This positions him as a voice for those who feel ignored, and effectively galvanizes their support.
Time.News Editor: looking ahead, how do you think stunts like this will affect the upcoming election cycle?
Dr. Emily Carter: Expect more provocative stunts as both sides vie for attention and loyalty. As the election approaches, we can anticipate heightened theatricality in campaign strategies. For Trump, it’s likely that these bold statements and actions will only escalate as he seeks to dominate media narratives and energize his base, while Biden will need to refine his messaging to counter these attacks effectively.
Time.News Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter! It’s fascinating to see how humor, narrative, and theatricality intersect in modern politics. We appreciate your insights on this event.
Dr. Emily Carter: My pleasure! It’s always interesting to explore the dynamics at play in our political landscape.
Time.News Editor: That wraps up our interview for today. Stay tuned for more insights and discussions on the ever-evolving world of politics.