LULAC DENOUNCES HATE SPEECH AGAINST THE ISLAND OF PUERTO RICO AND ALL LATINOS AT TRUMP RALLY ON SUNDAY IN NEW YORK
Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Demands an Apology from the Trump Campaign for Disparaging Millions of Americans as Innocent Humor
Washington, D.C. — The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) strongly supports Puerto Ricans and all Latinos in denouncing the hurtful and derogatory comments made at Sunday's Trump rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City. During the rally, podcast host and comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, one of the speakers, referred to Puerto Rico as "a floating island of garbage." He also disparaged Latinos who, he mocked, "enjoy making babies."
"We are shocked but not surprised that the Trump campaign in New York today has stooped to allow a speaker to call the island of Puerto Rico 'floating garbage,'" said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President. "LULAC does not care how they spin it; these words spewed by a so-called comedian should have never been allowed and should have been immediately rejected and condemned by Donald Trump. However, as usual, he has remained silent and, in the process, insulted millions of proud people who are Puerto Rican and live on the island and throughout the United States. It is a sad day in our country when statements like these go unchallenged by a candidate seeking the highest office in the land. This should preview what we can expect if he returns to the White House. Shame on him!"
The Trump campaign's tolerance for offensive humor, especially against Puerto Rico and its residents, highlights a disturbing pattern of disregard toward the island's people and its challenges. Millions of Puerto Ricans have been rebuilding after a series of devastating natural disasters, from hurricanes to earthquakes, and are a proud and resilient community. Such careless words not only deepen wounds but also normalize harmful rhetoric.
LULAC National Board Member and Vice President for the Southeast United States, Mari Corugedo, who is of Puerto Rican descent, added, "To belittle Puerto Rico and call it 'an island of garbage' is an attack not only on Puerto Ricans but on the very fabric of America. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens who serve, sacrifice, and contribute daily to our nation. They deserve dignity and respect, not insults or paper towels thrown in place of real support. Puerto Rico is part of the United States. Puerto Ricans are proud Americans—loyal, hardworking, and essential to our country's strength and diversity. They deserve leaders who recognize their worth, not those who degrade them. We will vote!"
LULAC demands a formal apology from the Trump campaign and a retraction of the offensive statement. The Latino community will not accept or ignore blatant disrespect toward Puerto Ricans and all who call Puerto Rico home. These remarks, dismissed as "jokes," are harmful reminders that the struggle for respect and equality continues.
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The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino Americans through advocacy, community building, and education. With a growing network of councils nationwide, LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect and empower millions of Latinos, contributing daily to America's prosperity. For more information about LULAC and its initiatives, please visit https://lulac.org/.