Tony Hinchcliffe doubles down on racist Trump rally jokes and hits out at critics
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Tony Hinchcliffe, a comedian who is receiving criticism for his comments at a recent Donald Trump rally at Madison Square Garden, is standing firm on his controversial humor.
During a campaign rally in Manhattan on Sunday, Trump referred to Puerto Rico as "a floating island of trash in the middle of the ocean," along with making other insensitive remarks about Jewish and Black Americans.
Tim Walz was one of the people who spoke out against those comments, calling the comedian a "jackwad" and reminding everyone of Trump's reaction to Hurricane Maria when it struck Puerto Rico in 2017.
"Does anyone recall how [Trump] reacted to [Hurricane] Maria in Puerto Rico? It was truly appalling," Walz stated during a Twitch livestream on Sunday. "He went down there and insulted people. The residents of Puerto Rico are citizens, they pay taxes, and many serve in the military."
However, Hinchcliffe has now stood up for himself on X and responded to Walz's comments.
"These individuals have absolutely no sense of humor. It's unbelievable that a candidate for vice president would divert their attention from their 'hectic agenda' to scrutinize a joke that has been misinterpreted to appear racist," remarked the co-host of the Kill Tony podcast in a post on X this past Sunday.
"I really enjoy visiting Puerto Rico for my vacations. I joke around with everyone there, so make sure to catch the entire show. As a comedian, Tim, perhaps it’s time to consider switching things up a bit?"
The term "tampon comment" is a nickname that Republicans have coined for Walz, calling him "Tampon Tim." This nickname stems from his decision as governor of Minnesota to sign a law requiring public schools in the state to make menstrual products available in every restroom.
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez quickly reacted to Hinchliffe’s recent comments: “I can't believe this guy has the nerve to tell someone else to change their tampons while he's literally soiling himself in his Depends after realizing that performing at a Trump rally and promoting blatant racism to a crowd of bigots actually means he’s one of them.”
The New York Democrat commented directly to Hinchcliffe on X, saying, “You don’t really love Puerto Rico. You just enjoy having piña coladas. There’s a distinction.”
Hinchcliffe has encountered a lot of criticism following his performance, and even the Trump campaign has tried to separate itself from him.
In a statement, top Trump advisor Danielle Alvarez stated that the joke “does not represent the opinions of President Trump or the campaign.”
Florida Senator Rick Scott posted on X that the "joke fell flat for a reason."
"It’s neither humorous nor accurate," the senator stated. "Puerto Ricans are incredible individuals and wonderful Americans! I’ve visited the island numerous times. It’s a stunning location that everyone should see! I will always do my best to support any Puerto Rican, whether in Florida or on the island."
Florida Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar expressed her strong disapproval, saying she was "appalled" by his joke about Puerto Rico.
