Trump Looks to Separate Himself From Comic’s “Racist Jokes” at Trump Rally
With the election just days away, Trump turns to damage control
Former President Donald Trump faced unexpected controversy during a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden when standup comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, invited as a warm-up act, delivered a set that included racially charged jokes about Puerto Rico.
The incident, which unfolded at one of Trump’s key 2024 election events, has drawn significant backlash, pushing Trump and his campaign team to distance themselves from Hinchcliffe’s remarks.
“Not a big deal”, according to Trump.
Last Sunday, public upheaval spread across social media as roast comedian and popular podcaster, Tony Hinchcliffe, referred to Puerto Rico as “a floating island of garbage”.
Trump was asked about racist and offensive jokes made by Hinchcliffe at the Trump rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday. His response was that he didn’t know the comedian and that the comic “probably” shouldn’t have been there
Speaking to Fox News’ Sean Hannity, Trump shared:
“Somebody said there was a comedian that jokes about Puerto Rico or something and I have no idea who he is. Never saw him, never heard of him, and don’t want to hear of him.”
Trump went on to explain:
“They put a comedian in, which everybody does…. You throw comedians in, you don’t vet them and go crazy. It’s nobody’s fault. But somebody said some bad things… I can’t imagine that it’s a big deal.”
Hinchcliffe, known for his controversial and boundary-pushing comedy style, is no stranger to pushing limits in his routines. His brand of comedy, often dark and laden with provocative humor, has been divisive in the past. Yet, many observers felt his jokes during the rally crossed the line, sparking immediate reactions on social media. Attendees and online viewers were quick to express dismay, calling Hinchcliffe’s comments inappropriate for a political event, especially one tied to a presidential candidate.
Broader implications for the 2024 campaign.
The incident has drawn criticism not only from Trump’s opponents but also from within his own base, as some supporters worry that the backlash could detract from Trump’s campaign message. Trump has positioned himself as a voice for everyday Americans, focusing on economic recovery, national security, and what he describes as a “return to American greatness.” This rally was meant to reinforce these themes, but the controversy surrounding Hinchcliffe’s performance threatens to overshadow the intended message.
Some analysts suggest the incident may cause Trump to be more cautious about inviting non-political figures to his rallies in the future, especially as he gears up for what is expected to be a fiercely contested election.
Hinchcliffe’s Response.
Tony Hinchcliffe has not issued an official apology. But, instead took to social media to respond to the “racist” allegation — posting to “X”:
“These people have no sense of humor… I love Puerto Rico and vacation there. I made fun of everyone… watch the whole set.”
Still, his remarks have done little to quell the criticism from Trump supporters and detractors alike, some of whom argue that his appearance was a misstep in a high-stakes election campaign.
You can watch Tony’s entire set, here:
Final thoughts.
As Trump’s campaign looks to navigate this controversy, the incident underscores the importance of message control and vetting in the months leading up to the 2024 election. With the 2024 presidential election just days away, the campaign may take additional steps to ensure that its events stay focused on Trump’s vision for the country rather than unintended distractions.
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