Former President Donald Trump faced criticism for racist comments made by speakers at his weekend rally, with top Republican allies condemning the remarks. Despite calls for an apology, Trump praised the event as a “lovefest” and dismissed the controversy surrounding comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s joke about Puerto Rico being a “floating island of garbage.”
Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden was supposed to be a showcase for his closing message but instead became a distraction due to the offensive comments made by speakers targeting various groups. Some Trump allies expressed concern about the impact on swing state voters, particularly Puerto Ricans in Pennsylvania. Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley stressed the importance of not criticizing Puerto Rico or Latinos.
In a subsequent rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Trump was joined by Puerto Rico’s shadow U.S. senator, who defended him. However, outside the venue, protesters expressed anger over the insulting remarks. The fallout from the rally highlighted concerns about Trump’s rhetoric and controversies as the election approached.
While some voters of Puerto Rican descent found the comments offensive, others were unfazed, highlighting a division within the community. The Harris campaign released an ad targeting Puerto Rican voters and emphasizing the comedian’s remarks. Ultimately, the controversy surrounding the rally underscored the challenges faced by both campaigns in the final stretch of the election.
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