Stephen Colbert pushes back at Trump over Chicago commentary

Late night host Stephen Colbert responded to United States (U.S.)  President Donald Trump after the president called Chicago the “worst and most dangerous city.”

During his monologue on The Late Show, Colbert responded to Trump statement, saying “F--- you” after reading the president's post. 

He also stressed that Trump had claimed Chicago was the “murder capital of the world,” Colbert noted, citing FBI data, that 22 United States (U.S.) cities have higher murder rates than Chicago.

Colbert mentioned that he had lived in Chicago for 11 years and spoke about the city during his monologue.

The disagreement gained attention online, with clips of Colbert’s response extensively shared on social media. The White House defended Trump’s reflections, emphasizing his efforts to address crime in city like Chicago.

Colbert also replied to the Trump's commentary on the cancellation of his show, responding directly on air. Part of the monologue drew reactions from the audience.

This exchange come amid ongoing conversations about crime and safety in United States (U.S.) City and continues the back and forth between Colbert and Trump over social media and Television appearances.

The exchange snappily drew public attention, with clips of Colbert’s response widely shared on social media. The commentary received reactions from lawmakers and the public on both sides.

This isn’t first time Trump has used the expression, in 2018, he made analogous reflections about members of the MS-13 gang, which at the time also caused debate over whether he was speaking about citizens or only gang members.

When asked for explanation on his most recent commentary, Trump issued a statement saying the president was pertaining specifically to individualities involved in violent crimes.

The White House also responded, with a spokeperson saying that “all people earn to be treated with quality,” and stressing the administration’s focus on addressing immigration through legal and humane programs.

The exchange comes amid ongoing discussion about immigration and border security in the 2024 United States (U.S.) presidential campaign.