Donald Trump's top allies are condemning one line from the former president's controversial rally in Madison Square Garden, which some say was planned to mirror a 1930s gathering of Nazis.
Trump spoke on Sunday at the famous New York venue, where he followed Donald Trump Jr., Elon Musk, and other MAGA surrogates. Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe also spoke before the ex-president.
In his comments, Hinchcliffe actually referred to Puerto Rico as “a floating island of garbage."
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“There’s a lot going on. Like, I don’t know if you know this but there’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico,” Hinchcliffe said from the stage.
The comments drew criticism from Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, R-Fla., a Trump-endorsed lawmaker who said she was "disgusted" by what she called a "racist comment."
"This rhetoric does not reflect GOP values," she said on Sunday. "Puerto Rico sent 48,000+ soldiers to Vietnam, with over 345 Purple Hearts awarded. This bravery deserves respect. Educate yourself!"
Travis Akers, a retired Naval Intelligence Officer and Newsweek opinion writer, responded to that by saying, "That rhetoric from the Trump rally absolutely reflects the GOP values. This is exactly who your party under Donald Trump has become."
Republicans against Trump also chimed in:
"This is MAGA. Please rescind your endorsement of Trump."
Former Trump campaign aide A.J. Delgado said, "He was invited to speak. You are not. He represents Trump's values."
"P.S. You endorse Trump and kiss up to him, so callate la boca que la hipocresia ya ese demasiado," she added.
Rick Scott, a senator from Florida and an ally of Trump, also pushed back:
"This joke bombed for a reason. It's not funny and it's not true. Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans! I’ve been to the island many times. It’s a beautiful place," Scott said Sunday. "Everyone should visit! I will always do whatever I can to help any Puerto Rican in Florida or on the island."
National security attorney Bradley P. Moss responded to Scott, saying, "This is MAGA
