José E. Feliciano, co-founder of Clearlake Capital Group, spoke out against remarks made by speaker Tony Hinchcliffe at Donald Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally, where Puerto Rico was described as a “floating island of garbage.” Feliciano, a Puerto Rican native living in Los Angeles, took to LinkedIn to defend the island, emphasizing its proud people, rich culture, and family values. Despite generally keeping his posts nonpartisan, Feliciano felt compelled to address the hurtful comments directed at Puerto Rico.
The 51-year-old investment tycoon, with an estimated net worth of $4.4 billion, rarely gets involved in politics. Born and raised in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, Feliciano moved to the U.S. in 1990 to attend Princeton University and later earned his MBA from Stanford University. In 2006, he co-founded Clearlake Capital with Behdad Eghbali, and the firm now manages over $85 billion in assets. Feliciano’s comments came in the wake of the Trump rally and follow a trend of Puerto Rican celebrities endorsing Kamala Harris, who has pledged to support Puerto Rico’s economy.
While Feliciano did not officially endorse Harris in his post, he has shown support for her campaign through significant donations. Records show that in December 2023, he contributed $400,000 to the Harris Action Fund PAC, $3,300 to Harris’ principal campaign committee, and $145,600 to the Democratic National Committee. Feliciano has previously supported Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign and Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign, indicating his alignment with Democratic values. Other notable Puerto Ricans, such as Bad Bunny, Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, have also voiced their support for Harris.
Feliciano’s rare dive into politics reflects his deep love for the United States and his belief in the power of people’s voices and votes. As a prominent figure within the Puerto Rican community and the business world, his words carry weight and are seen as a call to action for all Americans, regardless of their political affiliations. Feliciano’s upbringing in Puerto Rico and subsequent success in the U.S. have shaped his perspective and fueled his desire to stand up against derogatory comments about his homeland.
The controversy surrounding the Trump rally and Hinchcliffe’s remarks has sparked outrage among Puerto Ricans, who are no strangers to facing discrimination and stereotypes. Feliciano’s decision to speak out serves as a testament to his commitment to defending his heritage and promoting a more inclusive and respectful dialogue. As the conversation around Puerto Rico’s representation and treatment continues, voices like Feliciano’s play a crucial role in challenging misconceptions and advocating for equality and understanding. His support for Harris reflects a broader movement within the Puerto Rican community to push for change and uphold the values that define their identity.
