Nicky Jam Retracts Trump Endorsement Post-Rally Incident

Nicky Jam Retracts Trump Endorsement Post-Rally Incident \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Puerto Rican reggaeton artist Nicky Jam has rescinded his endorsement of Donald Trump for the 2024 election after comedian Tony Hinchcliffe insulted Puerto Rico at a Trump rally. Influential figures, including Bad Bunny and actress Aubrey Plaza, joined Nicky Jam in condemning the comments, stressing the importance of respect and pride for Puerto Rican heritage.

Nicky Jam Ends Trump Support After Rally Insult to Puerto Rico: Quick Look

• Nicky Jam’s Initial Support: The reggaeton star endorsed Trump for his perceived economic benefits.
• Controversial Remarks: Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe disparaged Puerto Rico during a Trump event, prompting backlash.
• Video Response: Jam shared his frustration, renouncing Trump and calling for Puerto Rico’s respect.
• Celebrity Solidarity: Bad Bunny, Aubrey Plaza, and Ricky Martin also voiced strong condemnation.
• Wider Implications: The incident underscores how political endorsements intersect with cultural identity and pride in the Latino community.

Deep Look

Puerto Rican reggaeton sensation Nicky Jam has officially retracted his endorsement of Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, just weeks after attending a rally where he publicly supported the candidate. Jam’s reversal was triggered by a divisive moment at a recent Trump event when comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made derogatory remarks about Puerto Rico, calling it “garbage” in front of the crowd, sparking a wave of criticism. Initially supportive of Trump for his business background, Jam has since distanced himself, expressing profound disappointment over the disrespectful tone used toward Puerto Rico.

In a video statement posted on his Instagram, Jam, whose popular hits include “Travesuras,” “Voy a Beber,” and “X” with J Balvin, explained why he felt compelled to change his stance. Speaking in Spanish, he stated, “The reason why I supported Donald Trump was because I thought he was the best for the economy in the United States, where many of us Latinos live… immigrants who are suffering because of the economy.” As a businessman, Jam saw Trump’s experience as a potential advantage. However, Hinchcliffe’s comments were a breaking point for Jam, prompting him to say, “Never in my life did I think that a comedian was going to come to criticize my country… I renounce any support for Donald Trump and I sidestep any political situation. Respect Puerto Rico.”

This announcement has resonated deeply within Puerto Rican communities both on the island and on the U.S. mainland, where Puerto Ricans, though U.S. citizens, cannot vote in general elections. Nonetheless, they hold significant influence, particularly through their connections to relatives and friends living across mainland states. The reaction to Hinchcliffe’s comments at the Trump rally extended beyond Jam. It prompted Grammy-winning Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny, one of the most influential figures in Latin music, to voice his own frustration. Soon after the incident, Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez, posted a video to his Instagram detailing Puerto Rico’s rich history and resilience, while also affirming the island’s political and cultural significance in the U.S. The video was captioned simply with “garbage,” a deliberate rebuke of Hinchcliffe’s remarks. He wrote, “We have been fighting since day one… we are the definition of heart and resistance.”

Actress and comedian Aubrey Plaza, who has Puerto Rican roots, also voiced her condemnation during an appearance at the WSJ Magazine Innovator Awards. Plaza spoke to the audience about her heritage and addressed Hinchcliffe’s comments directly. She shared that her grandmother, who was Puerto Rican, would have been outraged by the disrespect. “Thankfully, my sweet abuelita wasn’t here to hear that disgusting remark,” Plaza said, adding that Puerto Rican identity and culture are vital aspects of her family’s pride and resilience.

Joining this collective response, music icon Ricky Martin, who previously endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, expressed his frustration on social media. Martin shared a post saying, “That’s what they think of us,” in response to the disparaging comments about Puerto Rico. His message underscored a sentiment shared by many Puerto Ricans and their allies: that the dignity and contributions of Puerto Rican communities deserve respect, especially within politically charged settings.

The ripple effects of this incident have been felt across the entertainment world, with the Mexican rock band Maná publicly disassociating from Nicky Jam in the wake of his initial Trump endorsement. Maná, known for their passionate support of Latino rights, decided to pull their collaborative track “De pies a cabeza” with Nicky Jam from streaming platforms. In a statement posted to Instagram, the band declared, “Maná does not work with racists,” signifying a firm stance in response to the controversy. Maná is set to participate in a rally supporting Kamala Harris in Las Vegas, further illustrating their alignment with political leaders who support their cultural and social values.

Meanwhile, representatives for Nicky Jam have not yet commented further on his decision, though his video message conveyed a deep disappointment with the rhetoric from Trump’s camp. Anuel AA, another Puerto Rican artist who had previously endorsed Trump, was reportedly unavailable for comment due to a tour commitment. Jam’s decision to withdraw his endorsement illustrates a powerful and public shift, emphasizing how the cultural pride and identity of Puerto Ricans are deeply intertwined with their political choices.

The incident has also brought attention to the complex and sometimes fraught relationship between Latino identity and political affiliation in the United States. For Puerto Rican U.S. citizens, who are unable to vote in the general elections despite their citizenship, political endorsements and public statements carry unique significance. By lending their voices and cultural influence, they hold the power to sway opinions and raise awareness on issues affecting Puerto Rican and broader Latino communities.

This development highlights the broader Latino experience in U.S. politics, where the preservation of cultural identity and pride often plays a critical role. For artists and public figures like Nicky Jam, Bad Bunny, and Aubrey Plaza, the responsibility to represent their heritage and demand respect for it underscores their influence as not only entertainers but also as advocates for their communities. Jam’s reversal from a Trump supporter to a critic embodies the nuanced and often deeply personal relationship between cultural pride, identity, and political engagement among Latinos in the U.S.

More on Elections