In a theatrical response to President Joe Biden's recent remarks allegedly comparing his supporters to "garbage," former President Donald Trump staged an unusual appearance by climbing into a garbage truck during a campaign stop in Wisconsin. Dressed in an orange safety vest, Trump's moment in the truck drew immediate attention, blending his trademark flair for dramatic messaging with a counter-attack aimed at Biden.
The event unfolded on a rainy Green Bay tarmac, where Trump, known for his television-era showmanship, exited his private Boeing 757, paused on the wet ground, and made his way to the garbage truck bearing his name. His campaign team had prepared the truck to amplify his message, with Trump using the prop to target Biden and his comments. "How do you like my garbage truck?" he said with a smile, dressed in a fluorescent vest over his red tie. "This is in honor of Kamala and Joe Biden."
The stunt was triggered by Biden's comment, reportedly made during a phone call, in which he allegedly said, "The only garbage I see floating out there is [Trump's] supporters." While the president's spokesperson later clarified that Biden was condemning "hateful rhetoric" rather than supporters themselves, the comment had already sparked backlash. Trump seized on the phrase, drawing parallels to Hillary Clinton's infamous "basket of deplorables" remark in 2016. He criticized Biden's rhetoric, branding it a "disgrace."
BREAKING: Richest man wants you to vote for this crumbling dementia patient because he will be the shadow president and will steal your labor and resources for his dumbass Martian bullshit.
Donald Trump can’t open the door to a garbage truck. pic.twitter.com/lWQR6xXuA0 — Jim Stewartson, Counterinsurgent (@jimstewartson) October 31, 2024
Trump's garbage truck appearance quickly went viral, spurring a range of reactions across social media. A video clip of Trump approaching the truck, apparently struggling to steady himself before entering, was shared by pollster Matt McDermott, who commented, "Trump seems to be really struggling physically." The video gained traction, amassing millions of views. Satirical accounts and public figures joined in, with comedian Deven Green quipping, "He's deteriorated so much that he now moves like a drunk," while attorney Jeffrey Evan Gold joked about Trump's fitness for a garbage job.
In defense, Trump's supporters on social media interpreted the move as a strategic response to Biden. Alana Mastrangelo, a reporter for Breitbart News, commended Trump, writing, "Joe Biden calls millions of Americans 'garbage.' The next day, Trump gets picked up in a garbage truck in Green Bay. He's playing chess. They're playing checkers." Meanwhile, the "Libs of TikTok" account, known for its conservative commentary, applauded the spectacle, saying, "I love how the media are forced to cover Trump in a garbage truck. They must be losing their minds."
The controversy began earlier in the week when a comedian performing at a Trump rally made a controversial joke, calling Puerto Rico a "floating island of garbage." Biden's remark followed, with critics accusing the president of lumping Trump's entire supporter base under the term "garbage." Addressing the fallout, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates emphasized that Biden's comment aimed at the "hateful rhetoric" from the Madison Square Garden rally, not supporters directly.
Trump, however, has doubled down on the issue, refusing to directly apologize for the comedian's joke, which has drawn criticism from Puerto Rican communities and Democratic leaders alike. He distanced himself from the comedian, saying, "I don't know anything about the comedian," but stopped short of denouncing the remark, insisting it was simply a "statement he made." In response to the accusations of insensitivity, Trump maintained, "I love Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico loves me," reinforcing his assertion that he did not share the comedian's view.
During his rally later that evening, Trump wore the orange vest on stage, a rare choice for the former president, who usually appears in a suit. He joked that his campaign team had convinced him to keep it on by saying, "If you did, you know it actually makes you look thinner." Trump quipped, "They got me. I said I want to wear it on stage. I may never wear a blue jacket again."
As Trump's garbage truck moment generated extensive social media attention, his campaign capitalized on the viral response. Commentators suggested that the spectacle underscored Trump's ability to repurpose criticism as a rallying point for his base, even turning a contentious moment into a publicity win. Political analyst Stuart Stevens offered a critical perspective, noting, "The irony is that no city or state could hire Donald Trump as a garbage man, given he's a felon out on bail awaiting sentencing."
