Jennifer Lopez says ‘every Latino in this country’ offended by Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally

During a campaign event for Vice President Kamala Harris in Las Vegas, Jennifer Lopez expressed outrage over remarks made at Donald Trump’s recent rally at Madison Square Garden, stating that his comments have offended “every Latino in this country.” The rally included a performance by a comedian who mocked Puerto Rico, where Lopez’s parents were born, and this has sparked significant backlash.

Lopez’s comments came amid a wave of criticism following the rally, where the comedian referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.” At the Harris event, Lopez said, “At Madison Square Garden, he reminded us who he really is and how he really feels. It wasn’t just Puerto Ricans who were offended that day; it was every Latino in this country, it was humanity and anyone of decent character.”

Harris and Lopez’s campaign stop in Nevada is part of a strategic effort to energize voters in key battleground states. Polls indicate a competitive landscape in both Nevada and Arizona, making celebrity endorsements increasingly valuable for mobilizing support among critical demographics, including Black and Latino voters. The Harris campaign has enlisted various high-profile figures, from music legends like Stevie Wonder to the stars of Marvel’s “Avengers,” to rally support.

Lopez emphasized the importance of representation and inclusivity, stating, “This is our country, too.” Emotionally charged, she encouraged the audience to recognize the significance of their voices and votes. “You know what? We should be emotional. We should be upset. We should be scared and outraged. Our pain matters. We matter,” she declared.

The backlash against Trump’s comments has also resonated with other Puerto Rican celebrities. Notably, Bad Bunny, a leading figure in Latin music, publicly supported Harris’s platform for Puerto Rico, while reggaeton star Nicky Jam, who once endorsed Trump, withdrew his support, asserting, “Puerto Rico should be respected.”

Trump has aimed to appeal to Latino voters, particularly in critical swing states like Pennsylvania, where there is a significant Puerto Rican population. In response to the controversy, the Harris campaign launched a Spanish-language advertisement that highlighted the offensive nature of the remarks made at Trump’s rally. The ad features a narrator stating, “Puerto Rico is an island of scientists, poets, educators, stars, and heroes. We’re not trash, we’re more.”

In an effort to distance himself from the fallout, a Trump campaign spokesperson claimed that the comedian’s comments do not reflect the views of the former president. Additionally, Trump’s campaign has attempted to redirect attention to comments made by President Biden that were perceived as derogatory toward Trump supporters.

At the rally in Las Vegas, Harris reiterated her stance against Trump, asserting that his rhetoric promotes hate and division. She warned that if Trump were to regain the presidency, he would likely reinstate policies that led to the separation of migrant families at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Lopez also conveyed her belief in the power of women to influence the upcoming election, stressing their crucial role in shaping the political landscape. “Women have the power to make the difference in this election,” she stated.

Harris seized on another controversial remark from Trump made in Wisconsin, where he claimed he would protect women “whether they like it or not.” This statement sparked criticism, with Harris highlighting the need for women to have agency over their own lives. She emphasized that Trump’s views are dismissive of women’s rights and autonomy, particularly in the context of reproductive rights.

The vice president pointed to Trump’s judicial appointments, which have rolled back protections established under Roe v. Wade, further illustrating her concerns about his approach to women’s issues. Despite Trump’s recent assertion that he would veto a national abortion ban, his previous statements and actions have raised skepticism among voters, particularly women.

Polls indicate a potential historic gender gap in the upcoming election, with many men leaning toward Trump and women favoring Harris. This dynamic explains the emphasis on women’s rights and empowerment in Harris’s campaign messages.

As the campaign intensifies, Lopez and Harris’s efforts to mobilize Latino and women voters signal a broader strategy to counter Trump’s influence and galvanize support for their cause. The emotional resonance of their messages highlights the importance of unity and representation in the political arena, especially in light of divisive rhetoric.