Donald Trump has distanced himself from a comment about Puerto Rico made by a speaker at his Sunday rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe sparked huge backlash after describing the area as an “island of floating rubbish”.

On Tuesday, Trump told ABC News’ Rachel Scott: “I don’t know him, someone put him up there. I don’t know who he is.”

The Republican candidate also said he had not heard any of Hinchcliffe’s comments.

When asked, Trump did not condemn Hinchcliffe’s comments, but instead reiterated that he had not heard them, ABC News reported.

Newsweek contacted a Trump representative via email and Hinchliffe via direct message on X, formerly Twitter.

After the rally, a Trump campaign spokesman said, “This joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign.”

Hinchcliffe’s comments about Puerto Rico sparked widespread criticism and prompted several Puerto Rican celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny and Ricky Martin, to publicly express their support for Kamala Harris.

Trump will hold a rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania, tonight in a bid to win over voters in the key battleground state.

The state has a significant Puerto Rican population and protesters are reportedly planning to mobilize against the rally.

Following the remarks, the Harris campaign quickly launched a new ad targeting the comments.

“I will never forget what Donald Trump did. He left the island offering nothing more than paper towels and insults,” Kamala Harris said in the complaint. “Puerto Ricans deserve better.”

Hinchcliffe’s joke also sparked criticism from across the political spectrum, with several Republicans publicly condemning him.

In a post on Everyone Should Visit This Place! I will always do what I can to help every Puerto Rican in Florida or on the island.

More to follow.

Update 10/29/2024 10:43 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.