As we’ve been reporting, Donald Trump’s campaign put out a rare statement on Sunday distancing the former president from comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s comment calling Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage.”

That statement said the remark did “not reflect” Trump’s view – but we’ve heard nothing directly from the Republican candidate himself in the hours since.

A source familiar with the Madison Square Garden rally told CBS, the BBC’s US partner, that the Trump campaign vetted Hinchcliffe’s list of jokes ahead of his appearance.

However, the controversial comment about Puerto Rico, as well as others aimed at Latino and black people, were improvised. They also said the campaign cut two profane jokes.

A Trump campaign adviser told CBS they are frustrated the offensive jokes, and ensuing negative attention, upstaged the massive New York rally, which was billed as Trump’s chance to set out the closing message of his presidential run for voters

Credit: BBC