Former President Donald Trump campaigned in Allentown, Pennsylvania, following outrage over comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s insulting jokes about Puerto Rico and Latinos at a recent rally. Despite the uproar, Trump touted his support among Latino voters and solidarity with Puerto Rico during his speech. He also featured Republican senator Zoraida Buxó, who praised Trump and emphasized his commitment to Puerto Rico and Hispanic Americans. Other speakers at the event echoed positive sentiments about Puerto Rico and its people.
The backlash against Hinchcliffe’s comments was swift, with elected officials, entertainers, and ordinary voters condemning the remarks. The incident was viewed as particularly damaging given the Puerto Rican population’s significant presence in Pennsylvania, a key swing state. The insult also complicated Trump’s efforts to court Hispanic voters, as recent polls show him making gains in this demographic.
The Trump campaign attempted to address the controversy by organizing a rally in Allentown that emphasized support for Puerto Rico. However, Trump himself has not publicly denounced the insult, leading Democrats to criticize his campaign’s response. The incident has reignited voter engagement among Puerto Ricans and Latinos in Pennsylvania, with many expressing anger and frustration over the disrespectful joke about Puerto Rico. Protesters gathered outside the arena where Trump spoke, highlighting the impact that this incident could have on voter turnout in the upcoming election.
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