Former President Donald Trump's rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday was overshadowed by a series of controversial and racist remarks from his warm-up speakers, drawing condemnation from multiple Republican members of Congress and overshadowing his campaign's intended closing message ahead of Election Day.
The event, which drew a packed crowd in New York City, featured a lineup of speakers who made inflammatory comments targeting Latinos, Black Americans, and Vice President Kamala Harris. Stand-up comedian Tony Hinchcliffe sparked outrage with a set that included derogatory jokes about minority groups. "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," Hinchcliffe said, eliciting an uncomfortable reception from the audience.
His remarks were swiftly criticized by Harris's campaign, which is actively working to secure support from Puerto Rican communities in key swing states like Pennsylvania. Shortly after Hinchcliffe's appearance, Puerto Rican music superstar Bad Bunny publicly backed Vice President Harris.
The Trump campaign took the unusual step of distancing itself from Hinchcliffe's comments. "This joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign," senior adviser Danielle Alvarez said in a statement.
Other speakers also made incendiary statements. David Rem, a longtime friend of Trump who announced his candidacy for mayor of New York on stage, referred to Vice President Harris as "the Antichrist" and "the devil." Businessman Grant Cardone told the crowd that Harris "and her pimp handlers will destroy our country." Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson joked that Harris would be "the first Samoan Malaysian low IQ, former California prosecutor ever to be elected president," a remark that was met with criticism.
The rally was intended to showcase Trump's final pitch to voters before the election, but the controversial comments shifted the focus. Melania Trump, who rarely appears on the campaign trail, introduced her husband in her first rally speech of this cycle. Trump began by asking the crowd, "Are you better off now than you were four years ago?" to which the audience responded with a resounding "No!"
Trump unveiled a new proposal during his speech: a tax credit for family caregivers. This addition complements his existing tax cut promises aimed at older adults and blue-collar workers, including vows to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits, tips, and overtime pay. "This election is a choice between whether we'll have four more years of gross incompetence and failure, or whether we'll begin the greatest years in the history of our country," Trump said.
Tech mogul Elon Musk, who spoke earlier and introduced Melania Trump, was a prominent figure at the rally. Trump praised Musk as "a genius" and "special." Musk highlighted Trump's plan to have him lead a government efficiency commission to audit the federal government. "Your money is being wasted, and the department of government efficiency is going to fix that," Musk said before joining Melania Trump offstage.
The event also featured appearances by former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan, TV personality Dr. Phil McGraw, and politicians including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Representatives Byron Donalds and Elise Stefanik. However, as Trump's speech extended beyond an hour, some attendees began to leave the venue.
The rally's tone mirrored Trump's combative campaign style. He referred to his opponents as "the enemy from within" and labeled the media "the enemy of the people." Trump has faced multiple criminal indictments, which he has denounced as politically motivated. He has intensified his rhetoric against domestic political rivals, suggesting he would use the military to address them.
Outside Madison Square Garden, the sidewalks overflowed with Trump supporters donning red "Make America Great Again" hats. "It just goes to show you that he has a bigger following than any man that has ever lived," said Philip D'Agostino, a longtime supporter from Queens.
New York, a state that has not voted for a Republican presidential candidate in 40 years, holds symbolic significance for Trump. Despite his complex history with the city-including legal battles and convictions-Trump expressed admiration for New York during his speech. "No city embodies the spirit and energy of the American people more," he said, recalling his attendance at basketball and hockey games at the Garden.
The rally concluded with opera singer Christopher Macchio performing "New York, New York" as Trump and Melania stood on stage. However, the event's impact was dampened by the earlier controversial remarks, which diverted attention from Trump's campaign message and drew criticism from both opponents and some allies.
