With Election Day fast approaching, Puerto Rico and its people have become a focal point for both presidential campaigns, sparking endorsements and igniting controversy. Pop superstar Bad Bunny broke his political silence to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris’ plans to assist Puerto Rico, just as comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s derogatory comments about the island at a Trump rally stirred anger among voters.
Bad Bunny, one of the world’s biggest musical icons and a proud Puerto Rican endorsed Harris by sharing a video on Instagram where she outlined her vision for the island’s recovery. In the video, Harris pledged to support Puerto Rican communities through targeted investments, a dedicated task force, and rebuilding critical infrastructure like the power grid. She also criticized former President Donald Trump’s response to Hurricane Maria in 2017, which left the island devastated.
“I will never forget what Donald Trump did and what he didn’t do when Puerto Rico needed a caring and competent leader,” Harris stated in the video. Her remarks referred to Trump’s infamous trip to the island after Hurricane Maria, where he was widely criticized for tossing paper towel rolls into a crowd as a gesture of aid.
Bad Bunny’s Instagram post of Harris’ video, viewed by over 45 million followers, represents a powerful endorsement. Traditionally private about national politics, the artist’s decision to support Harris holds weight, particularly within Latino communities. His endorsement follows those of other influential Puerto Rican figures like Jennifer Lopez and Ricky Martin, both of whom voiced their backing for Harris’ vision for the island. With combined social media followings in the hundreds of millions, these endorsements offer Harris a significant boost among Puerto Rican and Latino voters.
However, just hours before Bad Bunny’s endorsement, comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made headlines for all the wrong reasons with a disparaging joke about Puerto Rico at a Trump rally in New York City. Speaking at Madison Square Garden, Hinchcliffe referred to Puerto Rico as “a floating island of garbage.” His comment was met with immediate backlash from politicians, celebrities, and the public alike.
New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez condemned the remark on social media, calling it “disrespectful” and “dehumanizing” to Puerto Ricans. Addressing voters in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state with a significant Puerto Rican population, Ocasio-Cortez urged voters to remember the remark as they head to the polls. “When someone calls Puerto Rico ‘floating garbage,’ know that that’s what they think about you,” she said.
Even some prominent Republicans denounced the comment. Florida Senator Rick Scott, a Trump ally, criticized Hinchcliffe’s words as “unfunny and untrue,” adding, “Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans.” Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar also weighed in, calling the remark “racist” and “disgusting.”
Trump’s campaign swiftly sought to distance itself from Hinchcliffe’s comments. “This joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign,” said campaign advisor Danielle Alvarez, emphasizing that the remarks were not pre-approved.
Bad Bunny’s support for Harris comes as her campaign has worked hard to connect with Puerto Rican voters on the mainland. Pennsylvania, where Latino voters—many of Puerto Rican descent—represent a critical voting bloc, has been a prime focus. Harris recently visited a Puerto Rican restaurant in Philadelphia to speak directly to the community, promising practical solutions like lower costs and expanded job opportunities. “When I was in the Senate, I always felt an obligation to do what I could to ensure Puerto Rico’s needs were met,” she said.
Harris’ supporters believe that her policy proposals, which include rebuilding Puerto Rico’s infrastructure and empowering its economy, will resonate with Puerto Rican voters. Meanwhile, Trump’s campaign has also focused on Pennsylvania, with stops in cities like Allentown, where Latinos make up over half the population.
As Election Day draws near, Puerto Rican voters find themselves in the spotlight. With influential endorsements and sharp responses to offensive remarks, the importance of the Puerto Rican vote has never been clearer. Harris’s focus on Puerto Rico, combined with support from cultural icons like Bad Bunny, could play a decisive role in capturing this key demographic.
