Puerto Rico shadow senator endorses Trump amid MSG rally backlash

One of Puerto Rico's two shadow senators on Tuesday endorsed former President Donald Trump, despite backlash the former president has received over a comment a comedian made about the island at one of his rallies this weekend.

The endorsement comes after Puerto Rico's largest newspaper endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, because of insult comedian Tony Hinchcliffe's joke that the U.S. territory is a "floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean." 

Trump's campaign has distanced itself and the former president from the joke, stating that it "does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign."

Shadow Sen. Zoraida Buxo on Tuesday stood by the former president at one of his rallies in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She did not reference Hinchcliffe by name but referred to the joke in a speech.

"We won't get rattled, we won't yield to ignorance [or] foolishness… we will remain focused on what is very important ... We all share a desire of change for the good," Buxo told voters, Fox News reported. "We Hispanics are part of the soul of this country. We have made a difference, and we will again make a difference in this coming election to bring about much-needed change."

The senator slammed the Biden-Harris administration over its perceived failure on critical policies like border security, the economy, and law enforcement.

"I urge you to watch out and stay focused on what is truly important when you go to cast your vote," she said. "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. We need the leadership of Donald J. Trump as our Commander-in-Chief."

Buxo is one of two elected officials who represent the island territory of Puerto Rico in the upper chamber. Shadow senators do not have voting power, but advocate in the nation's capital for the interests of their constituents. 

Puerto Rico residents are also not allowed to vote in federal elections. 

"Pennsylvanians – Americans, all – a better future is in your hands – your vote is the most powerful tool you have to bring about change. And for Latinos: Dale a Trump la fuersa de ta voto" Buxo said. "For those reasons, I strongly and fully support and endorse Donald J. Trump to be our 47th president to Make America Great Again and to Make Puerto Rico Shine Again."

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.