Former President Donald Trump addressed a passionate crowd in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Tuesday evening, highlighting his commitment to the Latino community. The visit comes after facing criticism over a controversial joke about Puerto Rico made at a prior event.
The backdrop for Trump’s speech was Allentown, a vibrant city with a significant Latino population, where nearly one-third are Puerto Rican. He opened with a strong declaration of support: “Nobody likes our Latino community and our Puerto Rican community like I do.”
Addressing the Controversy Head-On
The backlash stemmed from comments made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at a Trump rally in Madison Square Garden. Hinchcliffe, known for his provocative humor, described Puerto Rico using offensive language, sparking swift reactions from opponents. The Trump campaign quickly distanced itself from the comedian, clarifying that the remarks did not represent Trump’s views.
Notably, Kamala Harris’s campaign seized the moment to criticize Trump. In response, the former president’s team prepared to counter with a strong Latino presence at the Allentown rally, featuring influential voices from the Puerto Rican community.
Strong Puerto Rican Support
Zoraida Buxó, Puerto Rico’s shadow senator, stood beside Trump on stage and offered a rousing endorsement, dismissing critics and highlighting the stakes for America. “With everything that is going on and will happen during the final stretch, it’s easy to get distracted or misled by propaganda, emotional manipulation, and distortion of the truth and the facts,” Buxó proclaimed. She urged the crowd to reject Democratic leadership, arguing for a return to Trump’s vision.
Buxó emphasized the need for change, saying, “We need change, and Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are not the option to bring about the kind of change that you need and want and certainly not the strong leadership that the U.S. needs during these times of turmoil.”
Rubio Rallies the Base
Cuban-American Senator Marco Rubio energized attendees before Trump took the stage, echoing promises that resonated with many. He painted a picture of a leader committed to safeguarding the nation’s prosperity and values. “I will protect our workers. I will protect our jobs. I will protect our borders. I will protect our families. And I will protect the birthright of our children to live in the richest and most powerful nation on the face of the earth,” Trump declared, drawing loud applause from the crowd.
After Rubio’s rousing speech, Buxó reaffirmed her support: “We need this man back in the White House! We need this man to be commander in chief!” Her endorsement amplified Trump’s message as he reiterated his dedication to Puerto Ricans:
Buxó said, “Nobody likes our Latino community and our Puerto Rican community like I do.”
Defending His Record
Trump passionately argued that no U.S. president had done more for Puerto Ricans than he had, a statement he used to reaffirm his ties to the community. Despite the positive reception, protests unfolded outside the venue, with a small yet vocal group of demonstrators expressing their opposition.
In a notable twist, actor Martin Sheen lent his voice to a nearby Harris rally, performing a heartfelt rendition of “America the Beautiful” and drawing media attention.
