The backlash among Puerto Rican celebrities and performers was instantaneous across social media, prompting the Trump campaign to issue a rare defensive statement distancing themselves from offensive comments. In a tight race, any constituency could be decisive and the sizable Puerto Rican community in the battleground state of Pennsylvania was on the minds of Trump allies.

Danielle Alvarez, a senior adviser to the Trump campaign, said in a statement that the Puerto Rico joke "does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign."

The Trump ethos has generally been to never apologize, never admit error and try to ignore controversy. Ms. Alvarez's statement was a rare break from that practice, reflecting a new concern that Mr. Trump risks reminding undecided voters of the dark tenor of his political movement in the closing stage of the 2024 race.

#1 | Posted by Bluewaffles at 2024-10-27 07:08 PM

Seems like the Trump campaign isn't feelin' the same burn as ChokingEggos.