VIDEO: Trump camp responds to backlash over comedian’s controversial joke at rally

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From Fox News: The Trump campaign is distancing itself from remarks made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe during former President Donald Trump’s New York City rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, after he jokingly described a U.S. territory as a “floating island of garbage.”

“It is absolutely wild times – it really, really is. And, you know, there’s a lot going on. Like, 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,” Hinchcliffe said, earning him immediate criticism from both sides of the aisle.

“Who is that jackwat?” asked Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who was live-streaming his reaction to the event alongside Democratic New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “When you have some a–hole calling Puerto Rico ‘floating garbage,’ know that that’s what they think about you. It’s what they think about anyone who makes less money than them,” Ocasio-Cortez added.

Hinchcliffe fired back at Walz and AOC, writing, “These people have no sense of humor. Wild that a vice presidential candidate would take time out of his “busy schedule” to analyze a joke taken out of context to make it seem racist. I love Puerto Rico and vacation there. I made fun of everyone…watch the whole set. I’m a comedian Tim…might be time to change your tampon.”

The Trump Campaign responds…

In a statement to Fox News Digital, senior Trump campaign adviser Danielle Alvarez said, “This joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign.”

Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said Monday morning in a Fox News interview, “It was a comedian who made a joke in poor taste. Obviously, that joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or our campaign, and I think it is sad that the media will pick up on one joke that was made by a comedian, rather than the truth that were shared by the phenomenal list of speakers that we had.”

While some dismissed Hinchcliffe’s remarks as just comedy, others on both sides of the aisle voiced their outrage.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams wrote, “The hateful words that were used by some at today’s rally at Madison Square Garden were completely unacceptable. No matter who says it, hate is hate and there is no place for it in our city. As Americans, we always should stand up against racism, antisemitism, and misogyny.

“Yesterday, ahead of today’s rally, I talked about how we all need to turn down the temperature that fuels hate and violence. I am once again renewing those calls.”

Trump advisor Peter Navarro wrote, “No one worked harder for Puerto Rico after the hurricanes hit than @realDonaldTrump. @tonyhinchcliffe must be the biggest, stupidest asshole that ever came down the comedy pike. Never loved insult comedians (other than Rickles).”

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) wrote, “This joke bombed for a reason. It’s not funny and it’s not true. Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans! I’ve been to the island many times. It’s a beautiful place. Everyone should visit! I will always do whatever I can to help any Puerto Rican in Florida or on the island.”

Rep. Maria Salazar (R-Fla.) wrote, “Disgusted by @TonyHinchcliffe’s racist comment calling Puerto Rico a ‘floating island of garbage.’ This rhetoric does not reflect GOP values. Puerto Rico sent 48,000+ soldiers to Vietnam, with over 345 Purple Hearts awarded. This bravery deserves respect. Educate yourself!”

Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.) wrote, “This is not a joke. It’s completely classless & in poor taste. Puerto Rico is the crown jewel of the Caribbean & home to many of the most patriotic Americans I know. @TonyHinchcliffe clearly isn’t funny & definitely doesn’t reflect my values or those of the Republican Party.”

Meanwhile, Harrison Fields, of the Heritage Foundation, made it clear no comedian’s joke was going to stop him from voting for Donald Trump.

“.@TonyHinchcliffe, a comedian, made a joke, and @KamalaHarris, @AOC, and their struggling party are trying to gaslight Puerto Ricans into thinking otherwise. We’re going to do what we already intend to do—VOTE FOR TRUMP. How stupid do they think we are? What’s not a joke is Kamala’s open border policy, the state of this economy, and the looming threat of WWIII. VOTE TRUMP,” he wrote.

WATCH:

Jack Posobiec pointed out that a joke told at a Harris rally which accused Mexicans of being thieves didn’t seem to phase anyone.

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