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This past weekend, Sunny Hostin, a prominent host on “The View,” publicly criticized former President Donald Trump for failing to denounce a comedian’s derogatory comments about Puerto Rico during a rally. The comedian in question, Tony Hinchcliffe, made the inflammatory statement while performing at Trump’s event at Madison Square Garden in New York City, referring to Puerto Rico as “a floating island of garbage.” His remarks sparked outrage, especially since Trump chose not to address or condemn these comments when he later took the stage.
Despite the backlash, a senior campaign advisor remarked that Hinchcliffe’s joke “does not reflect the views of President Trump.” However, Hostin, who has Puerto Rican heritage, made it clear that this issue deeply affected her, addressing the controversy on Monday’s episode of her show. “Puerto Rico is trash? We are Americans, Donald Trump. American. We voluntarily serve disproportionately high in the military while you have bone spurs. And we vote,” Hostin declared passionately, emphasizing Puerto Rico’s significance as an American territory and its contributions.
Sunny pointed out that many Puerto Ricans reside in vital swing states such as Pennsylvania, where close to half a million Puerto Ricans live, alongside significant populations in states like North Carolina, Georgia, and Arizona. This demographic is crucial, particularly amid an election season when their votes can significantly impact the outcome.
Hostin also highlighted the influence of notable Puerto Rican figures such as Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, and Bad Bunny, all of whom boast extensive social media followings that could mobilize public sentiment. “Trump should really pay attention to this,” she asserted, reminding him that the voices of these celebrities, along with the voting power of Puerto Ricans, are significant. She cheekily remarked, “since you care so much about size,” which underscored her point that dismissing Puerto Rican voices would be a mistake.
Challenging Trump further, she specifically addressed Hinchcliffe’s comments, firmly stating, “We don’t like what was said about Puerto Rico, and we know how to take the trash out, Donald Trump. Trash that has been collecting since 2016 and that’s you, Donald Trump.” This bold assertion directly linked Trump to the deterioration in the perception of Puerto Rico.
In a fitting conclusion to her passionate plea, Hostin empowered her fellow Puerto Ricans to get out and vote on November 5, labeling it “trash collection day,” a metaphor that creatively conveyed her disdain for Trump while inspiring action among her audience. Overall, Hostin’s emotional response and call to activism resonated, highlighting the ongoing importance of Puerto Rican voices and engagement in American politics.