GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Donald Trump walked down the steps of the Boeing 757 that bears his name, across a rain-soaked tarmac, and climbed into the passenger seat of a white garbage truck that also carried his name.
The former president, once a reality TV star known for his showmanship, aimed to draw attention to a remark made by Democratic President Joe Biden the day prior, suggesting that Trump’s supporters were “garbage.” Trump has used this comment as a weapon against his Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris.
“How do you like my garbage truck?” Trump said, wearing an orange and yellow safety vest over his white dress shirt and red tie. “This is in honor of Kamala and Joe Biden.”
Trump and other Republicans faced backlash for remarks made by a comedian at a recent rally who disparaged Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.” The remark was seized upon following a Wednesday call by Biden where he said, “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters.”
Afterward, Biden attempted to clarify his statement, asserting that he intended to criticize Trump’s demonization of Latinos, but his attempt at clarification came too late.
On Thursday, after arriving in Green Bay, Wisconsin, for an evening rally, Trump climbed into the garbage truck and engaged in a brief discussion with reporters while looking out the window—similar to a photo opportunity he staged earlier this month at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s.
Trump tried to distance himself from comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, whose joke had sparked the controversy, but refrained from denouncing it. He also stated that he did not owe an apology to Puerto Ricans.
“I don’t know anything about the comedian,” Trump said. “I don’t know who he is. I’ve never seen him. I heard he made a statement, but it was his statement. He’s a comedian, what can I tell you? I know nothing about him.”
A spokesperson for Trump noted that the comedian’s comments do not reflect Trump’s views, though the former president has not addressed it himself.
“I love Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico loves me,” Trump said from the garbage truck. He concluded his brief appearance by telling reporters, “I hope you enjoyed this garbage truck. Thank you very much.”
When he took the stage shortly after, he was still wearing the orange vest.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Political Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into the theatrical world of politics, and who better to discuss it with than our expert in political communication, Dr. Emily Carter. Thanks for joining us, Dr. Carter.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! Excited to talk about the intersection of politics and spectacle today.
Editor: So, let’s get right into it. Recently, we saw former President Donald Trump make quite a dramatic appearance with his personalized garbage truck, using it to respond to President Biden’s comment about his supporters. What do you think drives this level of theatrics in modern political discourse?
Dr. Carter: Well, it’s undeniably a strategy rooted in showmanship. Trump has always relied on visual symbols and media spectacles to further his political narrative. This garbage truck stunt plays directly into his brand, showcasing his ability to turn a negative comment into a rallying point for his base. It’s a classic move—draw attention by reframing the conversation.
Editor: Fascinating! It seems like Trump is capitalizing on the phrase ‘garbage’ that Biden used to describe his supporters. Do you think this kind of political jujitsu resonates with voters?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely. This technique of weaponizing an opponent’s words to rally your own base is effective. By labeling Biden’s comment as a slight against his supporters and then embodying it with the garbage truck, Trump not only disarms the criticism but also galvanizes his followers. It creates a ‘us vs. them’ narrative that tends to resonate well in polarized political climates.
Editor: Speaking of narratives, how does this performance align with or diverge from traditional political behavior?
Dr. Carter: Traditionally, political responses were more restrained, often focused on policy implications rather than personal attacks or spectacle. However, the shift towards a reality TV mindset in politics—exemplified by Trump—means that emotional reactions and vivid imagery are now just as important as the issues at stake. This shift really underscores a broader change in how politicians engage with their constituents.
Editor: That’s an interesting perspective. In light of this event, what do you think the implications are for Biden and Harris? How should they respond to this kind of taunting?
Dr. Carter: It’s a tricky situation for them. They need to maintain a level of dignity and avoid being drawn into a slugfest that could distract from their policy agendas. However, they also have to clearly communicate their values to counteract the narrative Trump is creating. Ultimately, they might need to reinforce their commitment to unity over division, while subtly calling out the theatrics.
Editor: It sounds like a balancing act! And what does this tell us about the state of political engagement today? Are we seeing more political stunts in the future?
Dr. Carter: I think we are. As traditional media declines and social media rises, the need for attention-grabbing moments will continue to grow. Politicians will likely keep leveraging dramatic performances—both to distinguish themselves and to engage a distracted electorate. It’s a new era of political engagement where the line between entertainment and policy blur further.
Editor: Dr. Carter, thank you for your insights today! It’s clear that political communication is evolving in exciting and complex ways. We’ll be sure to keep an eye on how these theatrical moments shape public perception and political discourse moving forward.
Dr. Carter: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing this fascinating topic with you.