Illinois Governor JB Pritzker humorously criticized President Trump during his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live by portraying Chicago as a "war-torn" city.
Pritzker appears on Jimmy Kimmel Live
Mocks Trump's "hellhole" comments
Portrays Chicago in a humorous light
Responds to Trump's criticism
Kimmel invites viewers to share experiences
Kimmel continues criticism of Trump
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker humorously criticized President Trump during his appearance on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” by mocking Trump’s depiction of Chicago.
Satirical Report from “War-Torn Chicago”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker appeared in a humorous segment on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! on October 9, 2025, dressed as a war-zone TV reporter. He mocked President Donald Trump’s repeated characterization of Chicago as a “hellhole,” joking about exaggerated chaos in the city. Pritzker quipped that “People are being forced to eat hot dogs with ketchup” and that “the Milwaukee Brewers have come in to attack our Chicago Cubs.” He humorously noted that Chicago’s famous deep dish pizza had “gone shallow” but concluded, “there is no hellscape I’d rather be in”.[1][2]
Opposition to National Guard Deployment
Pritzker has been a vocal opponent of President Trump’s plan to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago. In August 2025, he declared Trump had “no legal ability” to send troops into the city and called the administration’s demands “outrageous and un-American.” This deployment was part of Trump’s broader effort to use federal forces in Democratic-led cities, claiming a need to protect federal facilities amidst protests.[3][4][1]
Legal Pushback in Federal Courts
Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago has faced legal challenges. A federal judge temporarily blocked the deployment, ruling there was “no credible evidence” that conditions in Chicago justified the move under the relevant law. This decision mirrored a similar ruling in Portland, Oregon. The ongoing litigation highlights conflicts between federal authority and state sovereignty.[5][6][7][8][3]
Trump’s Criticism and Pritzker’s Defiance
President Trump recently said Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson “should be in jail” for failing to protect federal agents. Pritzker responded defiantly, inviting Trump with “come and get me,” underscoring his opposition in the public spotlight.[1]
Jimmy Kimmel’s Audience Engagement
Jimmy Kimmel invited residents of targeted cities, including Chicago and Portland, to post videos showing their realities using the hashtag #ShowMeYourHellhole. Kimmel showcased many videos depicting everyday city life that contrasted sharply with the president’s “war-torn” narrative, often highlighting local humor and resilience.[9][10][11][1]
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