Obama Criticizes Trump Following Madison Square Garden Rally

On Monday, former President Barack Obama voiced strong criticism of former President Donald Trump, following Trump’s highly attended rally at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.

A particular focus of Obama’s comments was on a joke by insult comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who, in his warm-up routine, referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.” This remark, in turn, sparked backlash from the left, which called out the insensitivity of such comments. In response, some X users posted factual references and images highlighting Puerto Rico’s ongoing waste management challenges.

Nonetheless, Obama, known for his appeals to unity, launched into a speech in Philadelphia on behalf of Vice President Kamala Harris, which many viewed as contributing to political division. He argued:

Donald Trump wants us to think that this country is hopelessly divided between us and them – between the, quote “real Americans” who support him, of course, and the outsiders who don’t – ‘the enemies within.’ Because, what did I say about booing? Vote. Because, because Donald Trump understands – and he’s not wrong about this – that, that dividing people, making them angry, will boost his chances of being elected. It’s not good for the country, but it might improve his odds.

We saw it last night… The man holds a big rally at Madison Square Garden, and the warm-up speakers were saying the most, were-were trotting out and peddling the most racist, sexist, bigoted stereotypes. One guy called Puerto Rico, quote ‘an island of garbage.’ These, these are fellow citizens he’s talking about. Here in Philadelphia, they are your neighbors. They are your friends, they are your coworkers. Their kids go to school with your kids. These are Americans, they’re people.

And that is the reason why this election should not be close. It should be clear. Here’s a good rule: if someone does not respect you, if someone does not see you as fellow citizens with equal claims to opportunity, to the pursuit of happiness, to the American Dream, you should not vote for them. You should not expect them to make your life better. They will not help you make the– they will not help you pay the bills. They’re not going to work hard, make sure your kid gets a good education. They’re not going to help you with a downpayment on a house.

I mean, we have to reject the kind of politics of division and hatred that we saw represented. America’s ready to turn the page. America’s ready for a better story. Philadelphia, we are ready for a President Kamala Harris.

Vice President Harris echoed Obama’s tone in her closing remarks at an event in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday.

“In less than 90 days, either Donald Trump or I will be in the Oval Office. On day one, if elected, Donald Trump would walk into that office with an enemies list,” she said, reinforcing claims that Trump might use the Justice Department against political adversaries.

Harris also stated: “Donald Trump intends to use the United States military against American citizens who simply disagree with him.”