MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - Sen. Shevrin "Shev" Jones, D-Miami Gardens, blasted former President Donald Trump after Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe referred to Puerto Rico as a "floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean" while speaking at his rally in Madison Square Garden in New York City on Sunday.
".@realDonaldTrump has attacked immigrants, Haitians, Black people, the LBTQ community, women, and now the Puerto Rican community is the latest scapegoat, distracting from his policies and plans - or lack thereof - for America," Jones said.
Hinchcliffe hosts the comedy podcast Kill Tony. Known for his roast comedy, he also appeared on The Roast of Tom Brady in 2024.
Along with his joke against Puerto Ricans, Hinchcliffe attacked other Latinos, Black voters, and Jewish people. The remarks received swift backlash, with many viewing the insults as racist, crude, and disparaging to minorities.
"I hope every Boricua sees what Donald Trump and his followers truly think of him," Jones added.
Approximately 600,000 Puerto Ricans live in New York City and 1.1 million live in Florida, the largest population in the United States. The joke even prompted Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott, who's running against Democratic Sen. candidate Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, to issue a statement disavowing the remark.
"This joke bombed for a reason. It's not funny and it's not true. Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans! I’ve been to the island many times. It’s a beautiful place," Scott said. "Everyone should visit! I will always do whatever I can to help any Puerto Rican in Florida or on the island."
Florida Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar also was not pleased.
Following the remarks, the Trump campaign attempted to distance itself from the comic, stating the joke "does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign."
Hinchcliffe also responded to backlash on social media, including from Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz.
"These people have no sense of humor. Wild that a vice presidential candidate would take time out of his “busy schedule” to analyze a joke taken out of context to make it seem racist," Hinchcliffe said. "I love Puerto Rico and vacation there. I made fun of everyone…watch the whole set. I’m a comedian Tim…might be time to change your tampon."
Along with Hinchcliffe, other speakers at the rally included Elon Musk, Dana White, Tucker Carlson, and Hulk Hogan. The night concluded with a speech from former President Donald Trump, who spoke in front of approximately 19,500 people.
