Stephen Colbert has ignited a “Windy City” defense, delivering a blistering response to former President Donald Trump’s disparaging remarks about Chicago. On the September 3, 2025, episode of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” broadcast from the Ed Sullivan Theater, the late-night host didn’t hold back, fiercely defending the city against Trump’s accusations.
Trump’s Chicago Criticism
The controversy stemmed from Trump’s renewed attacks on Chicago, where he suggested deploying National Guard troops. According to various statements and social media posts, Trump branded Chicago a “hell hole,” the “worst and most dangerous city in the world,” and the “murder capital of the world.” These assertions served as the catalyst for Colbert’s impassioned rebuttal.
Colbert’s Fiery Retort
Colbert, deeply connected to Chicago through his 11 years in the city, his time at Northwestern University, and his early career at Second City, took Trump’s words personally. His monologue was a spirited defense of Chicago’s character and a direct challenge to Trump’s claims.
“Not a Hell Hole Until February!”
In a moment that resonated with his audience, Colbert exclaimed, “How dare you, sir! Chicago is not a hell hole right now. Chicago is not a hell hole until February!” He then proceeded to paint a vivid picture of Chicago in the depths of winter, highlighting its unique, albeit frigid, charm. This defense served as a pointed contrast to Trump’s negative portrayal.
Challenging the “Worst and Most Dangerous” Claim
Colbert didn’t stop at defending Chicago’s winter allure. He directly confronted Trump’s assertion that Chicago is the “worst and most dangerous” city. After a bleeped expletive, Colbert sarcastically suggested “Daytona Beach” as a more fitting description. This retort underscored his disagreement with Trump’s characterization and injected humor into his critique.
Fact-Checking the “Murder Capital” Assertion
Perhaps the most potent part of Colbert’s response was his fact-checking of Trump’s claim that Chicago is the “murder capital” of the world. Citing FBI data, Colbert pointed out that 22 other U.S. cities have higher murder rates than Chicago. This data-driven rebuttal directly undermined Trump’s statement, presenting a more accurate picture of crime statistics across the country.
Solidarity Through Malört
To emphasize his solidarity with Chicago, Colbert concluded his monologue by taking a shot of Malört, a notoriously bitter local spirit. This gesture, while humorous, symbolized his commitment to the city and his willingness to stand by it, even when faced with harsh criticisms. Colbert’s Malört moment was a bold statement of support for the people of Chicago.
Political and Public Reaction
Colbert’s fiery response has sparked significant attention, throwing light on the complex political issues surrounding crime in major U.S. cities and the potential role of federal intervention. His passionate defense of Chicago resonated deeply with his audience, who responded with cheers and applause, further amplifying the public discourse on urban crime and political rhetoric.
Governor Pritzker’s Condemnation
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has also weighed in on the controversy, criticizing Trump’s threats to send troops to Chicago, calling it an “insult” to the people of Chicago. Pritzker’s remarks underscore the widespread opposition to Trump’s rhetoric and proposed actions, highlighting the political tensions surrounding the issue.
Sources of Information
The information presented in this article is derived from reputable news sources, including Yahoo News Singapore, TheWrap, Fox News Video, The Daily Beast, HuffPost UK, Ground News, and YouTube. These sources provide a comprehensive overview of the events and the reactions to them.
Conclusion
Colbert’s impassioned defense of Chicago against Trump’s criticisms highlights the deep connection many feel to their cities and the importance of accurate information in political discourse. By combining humor, personal anecdotes, and factual data, Colbert effectively challenged Trump’s narrative and underscored the need for a more nuanced understanding of urban challenges. His response serves as a reminder of the power of media figures to shape public opinion and hold political leaders accountable.
