Nicky Jam backtracks on Trump endorsement over Puerto Rico ‘garbage’ comment

On By Littum

Nicky Jam, a Puerto Rican Dominican singer who endorsed former President Donald Trump in September, has backtracked after comedian Tony Hinchcliffe referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage” at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally on Sunday.

“I never thought in my life that a month later a comedian would appear and criticize my country and speak badly of my country. And for that, I withdraw any support for Donald Trump and I step aside from any kind of political situation. Puerto Rico must be respected,” said Nicky Jam, whose real name is Nick Rivera Caminero, in a video posted on social media Wednesday.

At a rally last month where the singer was endorsing him, Trump accidentally misgendered him, saying: “Latin music superstar Nicky Jam, you know Nicky? She’s hot. Where’s Nicky?”

In his post Wednesday, Nicky Jam emphasized that he originally supported Trump because he believed he would be strong on economic issues that would benefit the Latino population.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, DN.Y., replied by praising Nicky Jam’s decision.

“Thank you for having the courage to show by example that it’s okay to change your mind and stand up for our community,” she wrote on social media.

Other high-profile Puerto Rican artists have strongly condemned the comments and have again supported Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign.

Bad Bunny, perhaps the island’s best-known cultural representative, posted a video on social media with the caption “garbage,” highlighting his home island’s beauty and history. Jennifer Lopez also shared that she would be attending a campaign meeting with Harris in Las Vegas this week.

Anuel AA, another Puerto Rican artist who supported Trump at a separate rally in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, has yet to comment on the comedian’s remarks.

Alec Hernandez

Alec Hernández is a 2024 NBC News campaign embedded.

Annemarie Bonner

Annemarie Bonner is a desk assistant based in Washington, DC

Isabela Espadas Barros Leal the contribution.