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Puerto Rico Republican Chair Calls for Trump to Apologize Following Racist Remarks at Rally

Tuesday 29 October 2024 - 16:55

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In a significant political backlash, Angel M. Cintrón, the chair of the Republican Party in Puerto Rico, has declared he will not support Donald Trump unless the former president issues an apology for derogatory comments made during a recent rally. The remarks, which referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage,” were delivered by podcaster Tony Hinchcliffe, igniting outrage not only among Democrats but also within Republican circles.

The rally, held at Madison Square Garden in New York, featured nearly 30 speakers, many of whom made racially charged statements targeting various groups, including Latinos, Black Americans, and Jewish citizens. Hinchcliffe's comments, which included a particularly offensive joke about a Black man and watermelons, have drawn widespread condemnation.

Cintrón, a former member of Puerto Rico’s legislature, expressed his discontent during a local talk show, stating, “Right now we have no business and no relationship with Trump. If Donald Trump doesn’t apologize, we won’t vote for him.” He emphasized the importance of Puerto Rico, asserting, “Puerto Rico is always first.”

[EXCLUSIVA] El presidente del Partido Republicano de Puerto Rico, Ángel Cintrón, aseguró en Jugando Pelota Dura que no votará por su candidato presidencial Donald Trump si no se disculpa con Puerto Rico.

Esto ocurre luego de que durante un mitin en Nueva York, en el Madison… pic.twitter.com/6ltFW0L7hr
— Jugando Pelota Dura🇵🇷 (@JugandoPelotaPR) October 29, 2024

The call for an apology was echoed by Roberto O. González Nieves, the archbishop of San Juan, who wrote to Trump urging him to take responsibility for the remarks. He stated, “I enjoy a good joke. However, humor has its limits. It should not insult or denigrate the dignity and sacredness of people.” The archbishop insisted that a campaign apology would not suffice; a personal apology from Trump was necessary.

As of now, Trump has not responded to the controversy. However, his campaign issued a defensive statement, with senior adviser Danielle Alvarez claiming that Hinchcliffe’s comments do not represent Trump’s views. Other Republican figures have also distanced themselves from the remarks. Florida Senator Rick Scott remarked, “This joke bombed for a reason. It’s not funny and it’s not true. Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans!”

Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar, who has participated in Trump events, expressed her disgust at Hinchcliffe’s comments, stating, “This rhetoric does not reflect GOP values.” She highlighted the contributions of Puerto Ricans, noting their service in the Vietnam War and the respect they deserve.

While Puerto Ricans on the island cannot vote for president, a significant number of Puerto Ricans living in the U.S. can participate in elections. Recent estimates suggest that around 5.8 million individuals of Puerto Rican descent reside in the U.S., raising concerns within Trump’s campaign about the potential electoral repercussions of the incident.

This is not the first time Hinchcliffe has faced backlash for his comments. In 2021, he sparked outrage for using a racial slur during a performance, which he defended as part of his comedic expression. His refusal to apologize has further fueled the controversy surrounding his recent remarks at the Trump rally.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the demand for accountability and respect for all communities remains a pressing issue, particularly in the context of Puerto Rico's unique relationship with the United States.