Wisconsin [US], October 31, 2024: Former U.S. President Donald Trump took a theatrical approach to rally his base in Wisconsin on Wednesday, riding atop a campaign-themed garbage truck, a pointed jab at President Joe Biden’s recent comments referring to “garbage” rhetoric at a Trump rally. The move came after Biden’s remarks appeared to link Trump supporters to “garbage,” which has since sparked widespread backlash, particularly among Trump’s base, as reported by The Hill.
“How do you like my garbage truck? This truck is in honor of Kamala and Joe Biden,” Trump quipped from the truck’s passenger seat, which was decorated with a Trump campaign flag and sticker. Photographs of the stunt were widely circulated by Trump’s campaign, leveraging Biden’s words to fuel outrage among supporters ahead of the upcoming elections.
The controversy began when Biden condemned a racially charged joke made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at a Trump rally, in which Puerto Rico was referred to as “a floating island of garbage.” Defending Puerto Ricans, Biden asserted, “The people of Puerto Rico are good, decent, and honorable.” But his further remarks—”The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters”—sparked an immediate political storm. The White House later clarified, emphasizing that Biden’s “garbage” comment targeted the rhetoric at the rally, not the supporters themselves.
Following the backlash, Biden took to social media to clarify, writing, “Earlier today, I referred to the hateful rhetoric about Puerto Rico…as garbage…The comments at that rally don’t reflect who we are as a nation.” Comparisons to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 “basket of deplorables” remark quickly emerged, giving Trump’s team ammunition to rally his supporters and criticize Biden’s choice of words.
The uproar prompted Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris to address the issue, underscoring her commitment to representing all Americans. “I strongly disagree with any criticism of people based on who they vote for,” she said, emphasizing her dedication to inclusivity regardless of political differences. “When elected president…I will represent all Americans, including those who don’t vote for me,” she added.
Trump seized the opportunity to amplify Biden’s words during his Wisconsin rally, suggesting, “Remember Hillary’s ‘deplorables’? ‘Garbage’ is worse, right?” His campaign is expected to continue leveraging the remarks as a rallying point in the closing days before the election.