Donald Trump MSG Rally
Supporters wait for Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump to speak at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden on October 27, 2024 in New York City. Trump is closing out his weekend of campaigning in New York City with a guest list of speakers that includes his running mate Republican vice presidential nominee, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), Tesla CEO Elon Musk, UFC CEO Dana White, and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), among others, nine days before Election Day. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Some Republican lawmakers in Florida quickly attacked jokes a speaker made about Puerto Rico at Donald Trump's Madison Square Garden rally in New York City on Sunday evening.

Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe was given a slot ahead of President Trump at the event.

"I don't know if you 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 told the crowd.

"This joke bombed for a reason. It's not funny and it's not true," Sen. Rick Scott said on X. "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."

"Disgusted by @TonyHinchcliffe's racist comment calling Puerto Rico a 'floating island of garbage.' This rhetoric does not reflect GOP values," Rep. María Elvira Salazar said on X. "Puerto Rico sent 48,000+ soldiers to Vietnam, with over 345 Purple Hearts awarded. This bravery deserves respect. Educate yourself!"

Democratic lawmakers also condemned Hinchcliffe.

"As a Puerto Rican, I am tempted to call Hinchcliffe racist garbage but doing so would be an insult to garbage," Rep. Richie Torres, a New York Democrat posted on X.

A short time after Hinchcliffe's joke, superstar Puerto Rican recording artist Bad Bunny shared a video on social media of Kamala Harris giving her plans for Puerto Rico and endorsed her.

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