Jake Paul Defends Donald Trump Amid Puerto Rico 'Garbage' Joke Backlash

Jake Paul has taken it upon himself to distance Donald Trump from Tony Hinchcliffe's controversial Puerto Rico "garbage" joke, made at the Madison Square Garden rally.

This clarification comes as backlash mounts against the comedian, with Paul admitting the joke was a poor taste while aiming to shield Trump from any association.

Jake Paul's response starkly contrasts "The View's" Sunny Hostin, who did not hold back, harshly condemning both Donald Trump and the offensive remark.

The YouTuber is setting the record straight on Hinchcliffe's recent Puerto Rico jab, calling it an out-of-line "bad joke." Hinchcliffe's comment, comparing the island to "garbage," sparked backlash, especially from Paul, who moved to Puerto Rico in 2021 and has since embraced it as home.

In a passionate video supporting Trump, the YouTuber expressed his disapproval of Hinchcliffe's remarks. "I'll start off with something that bothered me recently was Tony Hinchcliffe, a comedian who made a bad joke," Paul started the Instagram clip.

Paul clarified that Trumphimself should not be held accountable for the comedian's words. He noted that while the comedian "talking smack about Puerto Rico was not funny," he emphasized:

"I want to shine a light on the fact these aren't Donald Trump views." 

Following Hinchcliffe's off-color remark, Trump also distanced himself from his controversial words. Forbes reported that in response to the backlash, Trump told ABC News:

"I don't know him, someone put him up there. I don't know who he is,"

The former president made it clear he was not involved in the choice to include Hinchcliffe in the event. The outlet noted that Trump also stated he had not heard the joke firsthand. 

Still, the Trump campaign swiftly sought to contain the fallout, with spokesperson Daniella Alvarez affirming, "The joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign."

The former president and his campaign's swift disengagement underscore their attempt to minimize any association with the backlash facing Hinchcliffe.

The fallout from Hinchcliffe's Puerto Rico comment drew reactions across the political spectrum. Trump's running mate, Senator JD Vance, downplayed the controversy, suggesting at a Wisconsin rally that Americans are becoming too easily offended. 

"We have to stop getting so offended at every little thing in the United States of America. I'm so over it," he stated. In contrast, former President Barack Obama condemned Hinchcliffe's words while speaking in Philadelphia, a city with a significant Hispanic population. 

Obama told the crowd, "These are fellow citizens he's talking about, here in Philadelphia they are your neighbors, they are your friends, they are your coworkers."

Unlike Paul, who swiftly distanced Trump from Hinchcliffe's Puerto Rico comment, The Blast reported that Hostin fiercely criticized both Trump and Hinchcliffe. On Monday's episode, the show's co-host passionately defended Puerto Rico, reminding viewers:

"We are Americans, Donald Trump. American. We voluntarily served disproportionately high in the military while you have bone spurs." 

She also pointed out that Puerto Rican icons like Jennifer Lopez and Ricky Martin have a far larger social media presence than Trump. Hostin concluded with a scathing message by saying:

"And we know how to take the trash out, Donald Trump — trash that has been collecting since 2016, and that's you, Donald Trump."

The 40-year-old's derogatory remarks were made on October 27 at a Trump rally at Madison Square Garden. The comedian sparked backlash when he stated:

"I don't know if you guys 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." 

He further offended attendees with a harmful stereotype about the Latino community, quipping, "These Latinos, they love making babies... There's no pulling out."

Hinchcliffe's remarks also extended to racial insensitivity, referencing a Black audience member and recounting carving watermelons with a Black friend. 

While Jake Paul attempts to navigate the narrative for Donald Trump, the widespread condemnation from various voices highlights the seriousness of Tony Hinchcliffe's remarks.