The Archbishop of Puerto Rico has called on former President Donald Trump to apologise for remarks made by a guest speaker at one of his rallies.

At Sunday’s Madison Square Garden rally, comedian Tony Hinchcliffe told a crowd that Puerto Rico – which is US territory – was a "floating island of garbage".

In an open letter to Donald Trump, Archbishop Roberto González Nieves said: “Puerto Rico is not a floating island of garbage. Puerto Rico is a beautiful country inhabited by a beautiful and noble people."

The Archbishop of Puerto Rico formally rebukes Donald Trump, demanding that he personally apologize: “It is not sufficient for your campaign to apologize. It is important that you, personally, apologize for these comments.” pic.twitter.com/fK1qR9Vukg

— Matt McDermott (@mattmfm) October 29, 2024

The Archbishop consulted fellow Puerto Rican bishops prior to publishing the letter, and highlighted Puerto Rican contributions to wider American life, including military service. “More Puerto Rican soldiers died in the Vietnam War as part of the United States military than soldiers from any state of the United States."

He highlighted the need for maturity and compassion – even when trying to win the approval of a crowd, saying: “I enjoy a good joke. However, humour… should not insult or denigrate the dignity and sacredness of a people.”

Whilst Trump has not publicly rejected Hinchcliffe’s comments, his team said they do not align with the former president’s personal views.

The Archbishop’s letter stated: “It is not sufficient for your campaign to apologise. It is important that you, personally, apologise for these comments.”