October 30, 2024
In a surprising move, one of Puerto Rico’s “shadow senators,” Zoraida Buxo, endorsed former President Donald Trump just days after comedian Tony Hinchcliffe delivered a controversial stand-up routine at Trump’s rally in New York City, where he made remarks many saw as disparaging towards Puerto Rico. Hinchcliffe’s comments, referring to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage,” ignited a wave of backlash, particularly among Trump supporters of Puerto Rican descent.
Buxo, a Republican tasked with advocating for Puerto Rican interests and statehood despite not holding a Senate seat, voiced her support for Trump while campaigning in Allentown, Pennsylvania. In a statement, she emphasized the “conservative values of community, family, faith, and love of country” shared between Puerto Rico and Trump’s supporters.
During her speech, Buxo referenced the recent controversy without mentioning Hinchcliffe by name, urging supporters to “stay focused on what is very important” and avoid being “rattled” by “ignorance” or “foolishness.” Her endorsement also criticized the policies of the Biden-Harris administration, addressing issues such as border security, law enforcement, and economic instability.
Puerto Ricans are the largest Latino group in Pennsylvania, and Allentown, where Buxo was speaking, is one of the state’s cities with a significant Puerto Rican population. With approximately 500,000 Puerto Ricans now residing in the state, Buxo highlighted the importance of their vote in the upcoming election. She emphasized, “We Hispanics are part of the soul of this country,” underscoring the potential influence Puerto Rican voters could have on the election outcome.
At the rally, Buxo also took a moment to endorse GOP Senate candidate Dave McCormick, positioning both Trump and McCormick as leaders poised to bring about a “better future” for Americans.
Her endorsement comes amid heightened media attention on Trump’s campaign events, especially following the backlash from Trump’s recent rally at Madison Square Garden. Hinchcliffe’s controversial comments were further amplified by a billboard outside the Allentown rally, showing headlines critical of the remarks. Despite the criticism, the rally’s opening prayer was led by Roberto Albino, who described himself as a “proud Puerto Rican” and praised Trump.
Buxo closed her speech with a call to action: “For Latinos: Dale a Trump la fuerza de tu voto,” or “Give Trump the force of your vote,” emphasizing her endorsement of Trump as the leader she believes can “Make Puerto Rico Shine Again.”
Sources:
- Fox News Digital
- New York Times
- Washington Post
