Trump Capitalizes on Biden's Controversial Remarks Arriving in a Garbage Truck, While Harris Distances Herself from Apparent Gaffe

Former President Donald Trump was quick to rapidly shift the focus in the ongoing presidential race by referencing a comment from President Joe Biden, who implied that Trump’s supporters were ‘garbage.’  

“How do you like my garbage truck?” Trump quipped, wearing an orange and yellow safety vest over a white shirt and red tie. “This is dedicated to Kamala and Joe Biden.” 

In response to Biden's remarks, Trump said, “You know what's worse than anything? Garbage. We’re garbage,” while praising his supporters as the “heart and soul of America.” 

During a call organized by the Hispanic advocacy group Voto Latino on Tuesday, Biden addressed a comedian at Trump’s rally who had referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.” 

“Just the other day, a speaker at his rally called Puerto Rico a floating island of garbage. Well, let me tell you something: I don’t know the Puerto Rican community I’m familiar with. The Puerto Rico connected to my home state of Delaware consists of good, decent, honorable people,” Biden said. 

The president added, “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters. His demonization of Latinos is unconscionable and un-American. It’s totally contrary to everything we’ve done and everything we’ve been.” 

Pennsylvania's 222 Corridor: A Critical Battleground for Latino Voters 

After facing backlash for his remarks, Biden clarified on X that his comments were aimed solely at comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, not at tens of millions of Americans. 

The White House later issued a transcript clarifying that the president's comments were directed at Hinchcliffe’s remarks during the Trump rally, rather than targeting Trump supporters. 

Meanwhile, Trump’s campaign quickly sought to distance itself from Hinchcliffe’s comments and mitigate any potential fallout in the crucial 222 Corridor in Pennsylvania. This region holds significant importance for the Latino community, encompassing Easton, Bethlehem, Allentown, Lancaster, Lebanon, York, Harrisburg, and Gettysburg, which collectively house more than half of the state’s Latino population. 

Trump told a media outlet that he had “no idea” who Hinchcliffe was, despite Hinchcliffe being scheduled to perform at his rally. 

“I don’t know anything about the comedian,” Trump said. “I don’t know who he is. I’ve never seen him. I heard he made a statement, but it was his statement. He’s a comedian; what can I tell you? I know nothing about him.” 

“I love Puerto Rico, and Puerto Rico loves me,” Trump added from the garbage truck. 

As the election approaches and the exchange of insults escalates, Trump reportedly claimed that Harris was conducting a “campaign of hate.” In response, Democrats criticized Trump for attacking “the enemy from within” during his rallies, a term he has used to refer to “radical left lunatics” and certain Democratic lawmakers.

Harris Attempts to Distance Herself from Biden's Controversy

On Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris aimed to celebrate the positive response from a speech attended by tens of thousands outside the White House. She warned that her rival was unstable and eager for unchecked power. However, she found herself fielding questions about Biden’s apparent gaffe, which could potentially alienate Latino voters. 

When asked about her boss's remarks from Tuesday, Harris told reporters she would "strongly disagree with any criticism of people based on who they vote for." 

While acknowledging that Biden has already sought to clarify his remarks, Harris stated, “Let me be clear: I firmly disagree with any criticism directed at individuals based on their voting choices.” 

She also remarked that if she were to win the election next Tuesday, she would be "a president for all Americans, including those who decide not to vote for me." 

Visualizing an optimistic future for the United States, Harris said, “Each of you has the power to turn the page and begin writing the next chapter in the most extraordinary story ever told.”