In the early days of President Donald Trump’s second term, a wave of civic pride and humor swept across cities like Portland and Chicago in response to the president’s remarks describing certain urban areas as “war zones.” Spurred by the controversy, late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel launched a segment on his show inviting residents to counter the alarming portrayal by submitting videos of their everyday city life.

The segment, aired on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” featured a collection of video clips from residents in cities specifically named or implied in the president’s comments. Portland and Chicago residents responded with creativity and wit, highlighting ordinary—and often charming—scenes that stood in stark contrast to the chaos described by federal officials. The campaign, which adopted the tongue-in-cheek hashtag #ShowMeYourHellHole, quickly gained momentum online.

In Portland, residents showcased bustling restaurants, peaceful street scenes, and whimsical moments around town. One video showed a dog wearing sunglasses, while another captured a drum circle in a local park. In a nod to the city’s quirky character, someone pointed out that a hand-painted breakfast sign was perhaps the most threatening thing they’d seen all day. Even residents living near the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, a site of frequent protests, described the demonstrations as calm and nonviolent.

Chicagoans also joined the effort, with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker submitting a video from the Windy City. His clip aimed to refute claims of disorder, presenting a composed and vibrant urban setting. In his contribution, Pritzker emphasized that Chicago was far from the chaotic image being promoted.

The video montage served as both a rebuttal and a lighthearted affirmation of community resilience. It painted a broad picture of normalcy—people dining out, walking dogs, and enjoying life in their neighborhoods. The portrayal stood in stark contrast to the federal government’s decision to deploy the National Guard in some cities, a move that many local officials and residents viewed as unnecessary and inflammatory.

While the political debate over federal intervention in U.S. cities continued in Washington, D.C., the videos provided a grassroots counter-narrative. Residents used humor and everyday imagery to challenge sweeping generalizations about their communities, offering an alternate view rooted in lived experience rather than rhetoric.

As of now, the cities featured in the segment remain active and engaged, with many residents continuing to share their own stories online. The “Jimmy Kimmel Live” segment stands as a snapshot of how community voices can push back against national narratives using creativity, satire, and a strong sense of local identity.