Former President Donald Trump addressed backlash over a comedian’s offensive jokes about Latinos and Puerto Rico at a rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania. While he did not mention the controversy during his speech, he affirmed his commitment to Puerto Rican and Hispanic communities, stating, “I will deliver the best future for Puerto Ricans and for Hispanic Americans.” Speakers at the event highlighted Puerto Rican heritage, with local leaders aiming to strengthen ties amid growing outrage over the comedian’s remarks.
Zoraida Buxó described Puerto Rico as a “beautiful island” filled with patriotism, emphasizing its divine blessings. Senator Marco Rubio addressed the crowd in both Spanish and English but did not comment on the comedian’s disparaging jokes about Puerto Rico. Following the comedian’s remarks, which caused widespread outrage, both local leaders and national figures expressed their anger. The Trump campaign organized a rally to send a positive message about Puerto Rico, yet Trump himself has not personally denounced the insult, only stating that the joke doesn’t reflect his views.