Trump vows to build great Iron Dome over US
Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during an interview with Bloomberg Editor-in-Chief John Micklethwait at the Economic Club of Chicago, in Chicago, Illinois, on October 15, 2024. (AFP Photo)
Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has announced plans to create a large-scale defense shield over the United States, modeled after Israel’s “Iron Dome” system.
Speaking at a campaign rally in New York’s Madison Square Garden, Trump promised that, if elected, he would “build a dome over the United States.”
He added that the defense system would be manufactured entirely within the U.S., with a substantial portion produced in New York.
Backlash over Puerto Rico remarks
The rally sparked controversy after comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who spoke at the event, made an offensive joke about Puerto Rico, referring to it as a “floating trash island.”
“I’m not sure if you know, but there’s literally a floating trash island in the ocean. I think it’s called Puerto Rico,” Hinchcliffe stated.
The joke was met with swift criticism on social media, with prominent figures denouncing it as offensive. Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny responded by expressing his support for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, stating that “a lot is at stake for Puerto Rico in this election.”
Luis Fonsi, singer of the hit song “Despacito,” called the joke “racist,” while Puerto Rican artist Ricky Martin expressed discomfort with the remark and reiterated his support for Harris.
Responding to the backlash, Trump’s spokesperson Danielle Alvarez issued a statement, clarifying: “This joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign.”
