Entertainment
"Puerto Rico respects itself": Nicky Jam withdraws support for Trump
In mid-September, the reggaeton singer showed his support for Trump at a Nevada rally
October 31, 2024 8:05am
Updated: October 31, 2024 4:04pm
Puerto Rican reggaeton singer Nicky Jam withdrew his support for former President Donald Trump on Wednesday, stressing that “Puerto Rico respects itself,” a response to comedian Tony Hinchcliffe who recently called the U.S. territory an “island floating garbage” at a Madison Square Garden GOP rally.
Nicky Jam, whose real name is Nick Rivera Caminero, explained in an Instagram post that he had previously endorsed Trump “because I thought that was the best for the economy in the U.S. where many Latinos live, including myself, where many immigrants are suffering because of the economy, and him being a businessman I thought that was the best move.”
The comments came just a little more than three weeks ago had campaigned with the tycoon.
“Never in my life did I think that just one month later a comedian would show up and criticize my country and speak poorly of my country. And for that, I revoke any support for Donald Trump and I’m stepping aside from any kind of political situation. Puerto Rico is to be respected,” said Nicky Jam in a video posted on social media Wednesday.
“I never in my life thought that a month later a comedian would come to criticize my country and speak badly about my country, and therefore, I renounce any support for Donald Trump. Puerto Rico respects itself.”
In mid-September, the reggaeton singer showed his support for Trump at a rally in Nevada, saying: “We need you back as president. Four years have passed and nothing has happened. We need Trump.”
Trump responded in gratitude, saying he was pleased the famous reggaeton singer was attending and had offered his endorsement of the former president.
“Where is Nicky? Thank you Nicky. It's great to have you here,” Trump responded.
Puerto Rican singers Anuel AA and Justin Quiles also showed their support for Trump at a rally, but other important artists from the island have given their support to the vice president and Democratic candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris.
The leaders of all Puerto Rican political parties in, as well as renowned artists such as Ricky Martin, Bad Bunny, Jennifer Lopez and Residente, have expressed their rejection of the comedian's statements since last Sunday.
For his part, Hinchcliffe had planned to travel to Puerto Rico this week and appear in Gala, one of the main tourist centers of San Juan, and in the exclusive area of Palmas del Mar in Humacao (east), but both establishments canceled.
Residents of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated U.S. territory, cannot vote in the presidential elections, but the more than 5 million Puerto Ricans who live in any of the 50 states United States can.
An estimated 500,000 Puerto Ricans live in the battleground state of Pennsylvania, making up about 8% of the state.
