Former President Donald Trump addressed a comedian’s insulting jokes about Latinos and Puerto Rico at his rally in Madison Square Garden, emphasizing his support for Puerto Ricans and Latino Americans. Despite the backlash, he highlighted his positive polls among Latino voters and voiced solidarity with Puerto Rico. The comedian’s disparaging remarks led to condemnation from politicians and dissatisfaction among constituents in Allentown, which has a significant Puerto Rican population. The fallout prompted the Trump campaign to organize a rally in Allentown to send a positive message about the island.
Trump received praise from Puerto Rico’s Republican shadow senator and other speakers who celebrated the heritage and beauty of the island. Before Trump arrived, speakers took time to express their pride in Puerto Rican culture and people. Despite the outrage over the comedian’s joke, Trump has not personally denounced the insult, but his campaign distanced itself from the comment.
The incident with the comedian has added tension to the presidential campaign, as Trump has made significant gains among Hispanic voters according to recent polls. Democratic officials in Pennsylvania, including Sen. Bob Casey and Rep. Susan Wild, expressed their disapproval and highlighted the importance of the Puerto Rican vote in the state. Protesters gathered outside the arena in Allentown in response to the incident, with some feeling that Trump’s response to the situation echoes his handling of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. The backlash may have lasting implications as voters in Allentown and beyond express their dissatisfaction with the comedian’s remarks and its association with the Trump campaign.
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