Puerto Rican music sensation Nicky Jam recently announced he has withdrawn his endorsement of former President Donald Trump for the upcoming 2024 U.S. Presidential election. The unexpected move came after comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made a controversial remark about Puerto Rico at a rally, referring to it as a “floating island of garbage.” In response, Nicky Jam posted a video explaining his change of heart, which quickly sparked widespread reactions across social media.
Nicky Jam Explains His Decision
Nicky Jam’s relationship with Trump has been a mix of admiration and pragmatism. The reggaeton star initially supported the former president, believing his business-minded approach could benefit the economy, particularly for Latinos in the United States. “As an immigrant myself, I felt Trump, being a businessman, could help fix the economy in a way that would benefit all of us, especially Latinos,” Nicky explained in his video to over 43 million followers on October 30, 2024. However, he expressed that Hinchcliffe’s comment struck a personal chord, emphasizing that it was unacceptable to belittle Puerto Rico.
Nicky Jam withdraws his endorsement of Donald Trump:
“The reason I endorsed Trump was because I thought he was best for the economy in the US…I never thought a month later a comedian would speak bad about my country. Puerto Rico deserves respect.” pic.twitter.com/t1maKciEsa
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) October 30, 2024
“I never imagined that someone at a Trump rally would speak about my homeland this way,” he said. The artist described the comment as a turning point, adding that he could no longer support a campaign that would tolerate or condone such statements about Puerto Rico.
Backlash Against Nicky Jam’s Endorsement Flip
As news of Nicky Jam’s withdrawal made waves, social media was abuzz with responses, with many questioning why the recent remarks had tipped the scale for him. Numerous users pointed out that Trump previously introduced Nicky Jam on stage at a rally and mistakenly referred to him as a woman, sparking humorous—and sometimes sarcastic—comments. One user quipped, “He didn’t care until it happened to him,” while another commented, “Only took you this long to realize?”
NEWS
Nicky Jam, who stood on stage with Donald Trump one month ago while wearing a MAGA hat, says he is withdrawing his endorsement of the former president.
Nicky, whose father is Puerto Rican, tells his 43 million followers on Instagram that he supported Trump because he… pic.twitter.com/cbrRdFFCR2
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) October 30, 2024 a>
Many were critical, suggesting that Nicky Jam’s shift was motivated more by personal offense than genuine disagreement with Trump’s policies or actions. Some fans and social media users voiced disappointment, saying that Jam’s reaction felt hypocritical, considering he previously overlooked issues affecting other minority groups. “So, it was only cool as long as it was directed at other groups?” one Twitter user remarked.
Trump and Hinchcliffe Respond
The incident began when Hinchcliffe’s comments went viral, with many denouncing the comedian’s description of Puerto Rico. The backlash intensified when he attempted to downplay the issue on Twitter, insisting it was a joke taken out of context. In his tweet, Hinchcliffe wrote, “These people have no sense of humor. Wild that people think I’m racist… I love Puerto Rico and vacation there all the time.” However, rather than calming the situation, his comments led to even more criticism, with some arguing that his response lacked accountability and sincerity.
Gee I wonder why pic.twitter.com/qcw3Qf6123
— Catturd ™ (@catturd2) October 30, 2024
As for Trump, this isn’t the first time he’s lost support over perceived slights against various communities. Many Latino celebrities initially endorsed him during his first presidential run but later withdrew their support over similar controversies. Nicky Jam, seen wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat at a recent Trump rally in Las Vegas, had passionately endorsed Trump, stating, “We need you. We need you back.” But after Hinchcliffe’s remarks, the singer’s stance shifted, making it clear that such comments about Puerto Rico hit too close to home.
He didn’t care until it happened to him.
— Mukhtar (@I_amMukhtar) October 30, 2024
So the fact that Trump thought he was a woman wasn’t enough to do it?
— Sam Berninger (@Sam_Berninger) October 30, 2024
With the 2024 Presidential election fast approaching, the controversy highlights the intensifying scrutiny surrounding Trump’s campaign and the loyalty of his supporters. As the election nears, public figures find themselves more accountable for their endorsements, especially those with deep cultural and community ties. Nicky Jam’s decision to withdraw his support underscores the potential impact that political rhetoric can have on personal affiliations, particularly when sensitive topics like national identity and pride are involved.
While the election on November 5 approaches, this episode serves as a reminder that celebrity endorsements are increasingly fraught with controversy in a polarized political landscape. Nicky Jam’s change of heart highlights the intersection of celebrity influence and political discourse, adding yet another layer to the drama of the 2024 race. As this incident shows, in today’s social media age, even a single offhand comment can spark waves that ripple across the cultural and political spheres.