At a recent campaign event supporting Democratic vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz, comedian George Lopez made waves with a series of jokes aimed at former President Donald Trump’s border policies. Lopez, a comedian known for his social and political commentary, used humor to criticize Trump’s 2016 proposal to build a border wall. However, his remarks, which played on stereotypes about Mexicans, sparked a mix of reactions, raising questions about the boundaries of comedy in political settings.
Lopez began his set by addressing Trump’s past immigration policies, specifically the controversial border wall project Trump championed throughout his presidency. “Donald Trump said he was going to build a wall,” Lopez joked, pausing before adding, “and you better build it in one day because if you leave that material out there overnight…” Lopez trailed off, letting the audience fill in the implication that the building supplies might be stolen. The line garnered laughter from the largely Democratic audience, which included Tim Walz and supporters of the Harris-Walz ticket.
This joke, which played off stereotypes about Mexicans, was met with enthusiastic laughter from attendees, but it also drew criticism from some corners. Commentator Jack Posobiec tweeted, “Apparently, Democrats only don’t care when their comedians make jokes,” sharing a clip of the rally and the controversial moment. The tweet quickly went viral, with supporters and critics alike weighing in on the implications of Lopez’s comments.
Yesterday at a Tim Walz rally, George Lopez made a joke about Mexicans stealing
Apparently, Democrats only don’t care when their comedians make jokes pic.twitter.com/dYyhvQTRKa
— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) October 27, 2024
Lopez, whose comedy frequently touches on his Mexican-American heritage, didn’t stop there. He went on to joke about Trump’s campaign promise that Mexico would finance the border wall. “He also said he was going to get Mexico to pay for the wall. I wish you would’ve asked me,” Lopez quipped, adding, “We can’t even split a check at a restaurant.” The joke, aimed at highlighting the improbability of Mexico funding such a project, was intended to draw laughs, yet it also emphasized stereotypes surrounding Mexican frugality and resourcefulness.
The atmosphere at the rally seemed to embrace Lopez’s lighthearted, albeit pointed, approach. His jokes reflected both his personal opposition to Trump’s policies and his support for the Harris-Walz ticket. The comedian’s rally comments also hinted at his longstanding admiration for Kamala Harris. Speaking to the crowd, Lopez remarked, “I have known Kamala for 16 years. That is who she is.” He went on to praise Harris’s background and commitment to public service, saying, “I knew her mother, a scientist … All positive. All love. That’s what you do when you’re a great mother, and we’re gonna send her daughter, Kamala Harris, to the White House.”
Lopez’s appearance at the Walz rally was part of a broader effort by the campaign to energize diverse voter bases, with Harris and Walz counting on strong support from Latino and immigrant communities in key swing states. Lopez’s comments, however, raised some eyebrows as they leaned into sensitive cultural stereotypes. Critics argue that Lopez’s humor, while intended to be lighthearted, relies on clichés that risk reinforcing harmful perceptions of Mexican-Americans.
This isn’t the first time Lopez’s brand of humor has stirred debate, especially in political contexts. Known for tackling social issues and cultural norms through comedy, Lopez has often pushed the envelope, using his platform to address immigration, race, and economic disparity. Yet, as some political commentators noted, this joke took a different turn, raising questions about the double standards in comedy when it comes to stereotypes—especially when the audience is largely in agreement with the political agenda of the event.
Despite the controversy, Lopez has historically used his comedy to celebrate his heritage while addressing societal issues affecting Latino communities. His remarks about Trump’s wall proposal and funding, for instance, resonate with many Latino Americans who opposed Trump’s policies. Lopez’s playful reference to his inability to “split a check at a restaurant” was intended to satirize the unrealistic notion that Mexico would finance the border wall.
Yet, not everyone is amused. Some critics argue that by leaning into stereotypes, even in jest, Lopez’s jokes can unintentionally perpetuate biased views. Political commentator and comedian Bill Maher addressed the issue on his show, noting that “when you turn jokes into stereotypes, it can cross the line—even if it’s meant in good fun.” Conservative analysts took a similar tone, suggesting that Lopez’s comments would have sparked a backlash had a comedian with different political leanings made them at a Republican rally.
Supporters of Lopez, however, argue that he’s a comedian first and foremost, and comedy often pushes societal boundaries to provoke thought and laughter. One Democratic strategist noted, “Lopez is a comedian whose style is known for poking fun at everyone, including himself. It’s what makes his comedy so relatable. He wasn’t trying to offend anyone but rather shine a humorous light on the unrealistic nature of Trump’s campaign promises.”
Lopez’s rally performance has once again spotlighted the complex role of comedy in politics, particularly at a time when identity and representation are increasingly central to political discourse. While some see his jokes as a humorous takedown of Trump’s policies, others view them as reinforcing stereotypes that do little to foster unity.
As Election Day approaches, the Harris-Walz campaign has focused heavily on appealing to a broad base of support across diverse communities. Yet, the mixed reception to Lopez’s comments highlights the delicate balance that comes with navigating humor and stereotypes in an age of heightened political sensitivity.
