Puerto Rican reggaeton star Nicky Jam has publicly renounced his recent endorsement of former President Donald Trump, expressing dismay over derogatory remarks about Puerto Rico made by a comedian at a recent Trump rally.
In a video shared on social media Wednesday, Jam, who appeared onstage with Trump in September, stated that he could no longer support the candidate due to “disrespectful” comments made by a Trump-aligned speaker that he says are harmful to Puerto Rico’s image.
“The reason I supported Donald Trump is because I believed it was what’s best for the economy in the United States, where a lot of Latinos live… a lot of immigrants that are suffering over the state of the economy,” Jam said in Spanish. “With [Trump] being a businessman, I felt it was the right move,” he explained.
However, he clarified, “I never in my life thought that a month later, a comedian would appear to criticize and talk badly about my [Puerto Rico],” Jam said. “That’s why I’m renouncing my support for Donald Trump and stepping away from any political conversation. Puerto Rico deserves respect”.
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Jam’s change of heart was sparked by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who, speaking at a Trump event at Madison Square Garden on October 27, called Puerto Rico “a floating island of garbage,” insulting the territory and its residents.
His initial endorsement of Trump had already stirred debate. He was among three reggaeton artists, including Anuel AA and Justin Quiles, who voiced support for Trump’s 2024 presidential bid.
Jam’s public appearance with Trump, however, was marked by an awkward moment when the former president introduced Jam to the crowd, misgendering him as “a hot Latin superstar” named “Nicky.”
