A wave of criticism after Republican rally – comedian called Puerto Rico “floating island of trash”
“Kamala, you’re fired! Out!” This is just a brief summary of the 118-minute eccentric speech of the Republican candidate for the presidency of the United States, Donald Trump. He spoke in his native New York at a massive rally in the iconic central hall of Madison Square Garden.
In a rare show of family support, Trump was introduced by his wife Melania, who first addressed the crowd of thousands and then asked everyone to welcome her husband and “their future leader” Donald Trump. The Republican was also supported by billionaire Elon Musk, who was at the rally with one of his children.
Trump has traditionally focused his speech on criticism of the Democratic administration. Claimed that Kamala Harris killed 50,000 manufacturing jobs in just 1 year, and that during her administration with Joe Biden, inflation reached an all-time high.
“If Kamala Harris gets another 4 years in power, our economy will never recover. If I win, we will build the greatest economy in the history of the entire world in no time!” Trump declared.
He pointed out that the US already had such an economy during his last term.
He promised quickly to win inflation
“Very simply – we’re going to make America affordable again!” the Republican said, using the wording of his popular campaign slogan “Make America Great Again!” And then he called on citizens to come out to vote earlier than November 5, a practice widely used in the United States.
Overseas, the so-called election day resembles an election month, since Americans in the states have about a month to go to the polls and vote. They can also exercise their right by post.
Trump pointed out that for now he leads in all the swing states – areas that historically do not strictly support one party. They are important to the vote as they are potential additional voters and decisive for the final result. Now he tried to win over supporters in New York, which hasn’t supported a Republican candidate since 1984.
Despite chants in favor of Donald Trump, the rally in New York angered many people – from politicians to ordinary citizens. During his speech, Trump made racist comments and shared his plans to stop illegal immigration. He vowed to deport migrants, calling them “evil and bloodthirsty criminals”. He indicated that on his first day in office he would launch the largest deportation program in American history.
“I will save everyone a city that is was attacked and conquered”,
the Republican said.
The most controversial statement in the entire show at “Madison Square Garden” was made by one of the comedians warming up the audience – Tony Hinchcliffe. He called the US territory of Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage” and said that Latinos “like to make babies.” His words became the cause of a wide public discussion and outraged many, including the governor of Puerto Rico, Pedro Pierluisi.
He called on Puerto Rican Americans to “show the strength of our people at the ballot box, and every day.” He said that everyone who welcomed Hinchcliffe’s speech should be ashamed of themselves. “These remarks underscore the prejudice and racism that is still alive and well in our nation, and how important it is to elect leaders who reject and fight that bigotry,” Pierluisi added. “America is better than this and deserves more,” he said categorically.
The Trump campaign later distanced itself from the racist comment.
Interview Transcript: Time.news Editor with Political Analyst Dr. Maya Rodriguez
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Rodriguez! Thanks for joining us today. The recent Trump rally at Madison Square Garden has sparked a lot of controversy, especially with some of his remarks about Puerto Rico. What are your thoughts on the impact of such statements?
Dr. Rodriguez: Thank you for having me! Trump’s comments about Puerto Rico, calling it a “floating island of trash,” are not only inflammatory but also deeply disrespectful. They reflect a long-standing pattern of demeaning marginalized communities, and such language can perpetuate stigma and stereotypes. It’s particularly concerning because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory with its own cultural identity and struggles.
Editor: Absolutely, and in the context of a political rally, how do you think these statements influence his support among voters, especially those in swing states?
Dr. Rodriguez: It’s a double-edged sword. For some of his core supporters, these comments may resonate because they reflect a tough-on-immigration stance, which Trump has historically championed. However, for moderate voters and those who value inclusivity, these remarks could be alienating. Swing states often contain diverse populations, so his comments could very well hurt him in key areas where every vote counts.
Editor: You mentioned Trump’s focus on criticism of the Democratic administration and the economy. He claimed that Kamala Harris’s administration led to job losses and high inflation. What’s your take on his economic promises?
Dr. Rodriguez: Trump’s push to “Make America Affordable Again” certainly seems aimed at reviving his successful branding from previous campaigns. However, economics is complex—it’s not as simple as promising to build a great economy overnight. His previous term did see some economic growth, but there were also significant challenges, including the pandemic’s impact. Voters will need to critically evaluate whether his promises are feasible, especially since the current economic situation is influenced by many external factors.
Editor: Speaking of external factors, how do you view the role of influential figures like Elon Musk attending these rallies? What influence do they have on Trump’s messaging?
Dr. Rodriguez: Musk’s presence adds a layer of modern celebrity culture to Trump’s rallies. As a billionaire and a prominent figure in tech, Musk can attract younger voters and those interested in economic innovation. His endorsement may lend an air of credibility to Trump’s economic message. However, the real question is whether this can counteract the backlash Trump faces from more traditional political constituents or from those affected by his recent comments.
Editor: Before we wrap up, one last question—what do you think will be the long-term repercussions of this rally and Trump’s rhetoric in shaping the Republican Party moving forward?
Dr. Rodriguez: This rally reinforces the idea that Trump’s brand of politics is still very much alive within the GOP. His rhetoric might push the party further toward populism and away from moderate principles. But it could also fracture the party as they head into the elections, especially if more members begin to challenge his style and substance. Ultimately, we’ll see how voters respond, but it’s clear the party is at a crossroads.
Editor: Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Rodriguez. It’s always a pleasure to have you on the show.
Dr. Rodriguez: Thank you for having me! It’s a fascinating time in politics, and I look forward to seeing how it unfolds.