Nicky Jam Withdraws Support for Trump Following Controversial Comments
Puerto Rican reggaeton artist Nicky Jam has publicly withdrawn his support for former President Donald Trump after a comedian's derogatory remarks about Puerto Rico at a recent campaign rally in New York. The comments, made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, referred to Puerto Rico as a 'floating island of garbage,' prompting immediate backlash from various sectors, including political leaders and artists from the island. In a video posted on Instagram, Jam expressed his dismay, stating, 'I never thought a comedian would come to criticize my country and therefore I renounce any support for Donald Trump.' He emphasized the need for respect towards Puerto Rico and its people. This shift in support comes just weeks after Jam had endorsed Trump at a rally in Las Vegas, where he had voiced his belief that Trump was the best option for the economy and the Latino community.
The incident at Madison Square Garden, where Hinchcliffe made the controversial joke, has sparked outrage across the political spectrum. Trump's campaign has distanced itself from the remarks, with senior campaign officials asserting that they have 'absolutely no control' over what speakers say. However, Trump's response to the criticism has been to assert that no president has done more for Puerto Rico than he has, referring to his administration's response to Hurricane Maria and other disasters. Despite this, many in Puerto Rico, including the archbishop of San Juan, Monsignor Roberto González Nieves, have called for an apology from Trump, highlighting the need for dignity and respect towards the island's residents.
Fallout from Hinchcliffe's Comments and Trump's Response
The fallout from Hinchcliffe's comments has been significant, with widespread condemnation from Puerto Rican leaders and artists, including prominent figures like Ricky Martin and Bad Bunny. In a letter to Trump, Archbishop González demanded a personal apology, stating, 'Humor has its limits. It must not insult or denigrate the dignity and sanctity of people.' Trump's campaign has attempted to mitigate the damage by asserting that the comments do not reflect his views, yet he has not condemned Hinchcliffe's remarks directly.
During a roundtable discussion, Trump reiterated his claim that he has done more for Puerto Rico than any other president, citing his administration's response to the island's challenges. However, this assertion is met with skepticism, especially considering the criticisms he faced during his administration regarding the slow response to Hurricane Maria. As the November elections approach, the controversy surrounding Hinchcliffe's comments and Jam's withdrawal of support may have significant implications for Trump's campaign, particularly among Latino voters.
