Vice President Kamala Harris found herself at the center of social media attention following a visit to Puerto Rico, where she was seen enthusiastically clapping along to a protest song, only to realize it was directed against her.
Harris’s trip to Puerto Rico was intended to underscore the Biden administration’s support for the island’s recovery efforts. As part of her visit, she stopped by the Goyoco community center in San Juan’s Santurce neighborhood.
Footage from the visit captured Harris clapping and smiling as Puerto Rican protesters sang and drummed. However, her demeanor shifted abruptly when she appeared to be informed about the content of the song. The protesters were singing about their desire to know Harris’s stance on Puerto Rico’s status and also expressed solidarity with Palestine and Haiti.
In response to the song’s message, Harris stopped clapping and adopted a more serious expression. Social media users criticized her reaction, with some labeling her as a “clown” and questioning her competence as Vice President.
Despite the incident, Harris engaged with community leaders and center staff during her visit, according to reports. She also visited a residential home damaged during Hurricane Maria, which had been rehabilitated with federal assistance, including solar panels and water tanks.
During her visit, Harris highlighted the Biden administration’s investment of over $140 billion in Puerto Rico. However, the political situation in Puerto Rico remains complex, as residents, while U.S. citizens, lack full voting representation in the federal government.
Julio Ricardo Varela, founder of Latino Rebels, noted the island’s ambiguous political status, with some residents advocating for statehood while others prefer maintaining the current territorial status.
The visit underscored the ongoing challenges and aspirations of Puerto Ricans, who, despite being U.S. citizens, grapple with issues of political representation and autonomy within the federal system.
